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DISSERTATION
ON THE
GIPSIES.
DISSERTAT ION
ON THE
GIPSIES,
E E I N a
AN HISTORICAL E N QJU I R Y,
CONCERNING
The Manner of Life, CEconomy,. Cuftoms and Conditions of
thefe People in Europe, and their Origin.
WRITTEN IN GERMAN,
B Y
HEINRICH MORITZ GOTTLIEB GRELLMANN.
TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH,
B Y
MATTHEW RAPER, Elq. F. R. S. & A. S.
LONDON:
Printed for the EDITOR, by G. Bfgg,
And to be had of P. ELMSLEY, and T. CADELL, in the Strand,
and J. SEWELL, in Cornhill. 1787.
V
'9
"5
1 I 5-
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o
ro TO
QS6^£
Sir J O S E P H BANK S, Bart. P. R. S.
S I R,
S I have not the \-anit_\ to tiiiiik it is in my power
to add any hiftre 'to a charafter at the fame time fo well
known and juftly admired, my only reafon for requefting
i^ your permifiion to addrefs this tranflation to you, was, that
I might haV'C an opportunity, pubUcly to declare, how
much I eftecm myfelf obliged to you, and that I {hall
ever retain the rnofl grateful remembraiTce of your unremitted
friehdlhip. I ha\e the honor to be, with the greatcft
-relpeifl:,
SIR, •
r
Your much obliged,
Humble Servant,
PREFACE.
.,/jlS my chief aim in tranflating the jollowifig Sheets, ivas
to give fuch of my Countrymeti, who are unacquainted with the
German language, an opportunity of learning from what part of
the I'Forld, it is probable the Gipfies came among us; I have been
follicitous to render the exaSl meaning of the Author, without
endeavoring to compofe an elegant 'Treatife, which would, in
manv inflames, have obliged me to deviate too far from the
Original.
The Book having been printed off, before I knew it was
intended to publifh a Second Edition, it was impojjible for me
to incorporate the Additions into the body of the JFork ; therefore
to avoid fwelling it too ?nuch, the Reader will find only an
AbjlraEl of the mofl material Vajfages, in detached Paragraphs.,
and a compleat JJfl of the yluthors quoted by the German
IFriter.
Part
PRE F A C E.
Part of the Second Edition only tendings to Jlx'w. the great fuper-
fiition of fame of the Germans, or to corroborate proofs, already
u-ell authenticated in the Firfl, I have onl^ inferted fuch Places,
as relate entirely to the Gipjies, and of thofe merely what have
not been treated of in the former Edition.
C i )
PREFACE.
Al
LT HOUGH much has been fa'id and writtm concerning the
Gipfics, nevertheh'fs, except the article, in th'e Fienna Gazettes,
about the Gipfies in Hungarv, nobody has ever thought of publijhing
a. circunijlantial, connected account of the ceconomy of thefc pcopkj
their opinions and coiuiilion, fmce they have been in Rurope^
Whatever has appeared^ on this fubjeB, has been in detached pieces,
eccafionally communicated by zvriters of travels, or by fuch perfons,
who, having made particular enquires about the origin of the Gipfcs,
formed a fyflem of their ozvn, concerning them ; or laftly fuch hints
as zfere buried in old records, or difperfed in various other books.
I cannot, therefore, think., any apology requijite, fur my having
carefully eolk£fed ihefe fugitive pieces, diligently examined and fleuled
them, in order to try, zvhether it may not be poffible, to compile
fame confijlent hijlory of this tribe, which has diffufed itfelf through
all the countries of Europe : ■ efpccially as fuch a defription, by
reafon of the flrange and Jlriking cufloms of the Gipfies, may be
(qually iifeful for entertainment, as for the promotion of thc\ knozvledge
of manners and mankind.
a I Jhould.^
( ii )
J Jlmdd noizvUhJlanding, have been laider the nceejin of leavbsr
p-cat cbcifriis, ill many places, had I not been aJT'fted with kind
comnuinieatioHS from obliging friends, in various parts : to whom I
take this opportunity of returning my fmcere thanks.
Many of thefe infonnations arrived very late, which pre-
vented my book from coming out, according to promife ; as I
was unzvilUng to publijlj before the receipt of them. I mufl, for
the fame reafon introduce here, what I could not infert in the fifth
page, that there are in Poland and Lithuania, as zvell as in Courland,
lan amazing number of Gipfies. Their IVaywods in Courland difiinguif/jcs
himfelf from his equals, in other countries, being not only very much
refpCLled by his ozvn people, but, even by the Courland nobility, is
efleemed a 'man of high rank, and is frequently to be met with at
entertainments and card parties in the firft families, where he is always
/I welcome guefi. I'he name of the prcfent one is George, cr
(according to the Courland pronunciation) Gurgc. His drefs is
uncommonly rich, in comparifon of others of his kind, generally filk
in fummer, and conflantly velvet in "winter. 'The common Gipfies,
on the contrary, are exa£lly like their brethern in other countries, in
every particular : even zcith regard to religion, they fi.^ezo the fame
levity and indifference; they fuffer their children to be fcvcral times
baptifd, they nozv profefs thcmfilves to be Ca'holics, then Lutherans^
end prefmly after nothing at al'»
There
( Hi )
'There might perhaps be jvft cauje to accufe me of prclixifv, in
waking my feconJ. fc'dlon Ukezvifi a coUcSiion of opinions, conarnitig
the origin of the G/pfes, and detaining the reader zvith all forts of
difputeSy before he comes to my ozvn fentiments and exanii':ation,
zvere it not a fi/jfcient jujlif cation, that I am bound not only ta
believe every one, but alfo to produce him to public I'iezv, in order
to afcertain hozv mu-th has already been difcovered concerning the
origin of this tribe ; as it is from thence, that people mujl form a
judgement whether I have cleared up any doubtful point, or zvhetherj
1 have rendered, zvhat before zvas dark, jVill more intricate.
If I have fucceeded, in my endeavour, to trace the Gipjies front
India, it zvould be bafe ingratitude in me, to conceal the great man,
(Councellor Biittner) to zvhoni I am indebted for one of my flrongefi
proofs, viz. the comparifon of the languages. To him belongs the
zvhole catalogue, confijling, as far as relates to the Gipfey idiom,
i.'ot only of the Zi'ords collccied and printed, dozvn from Buonaventura
VulcaniHS to Mr. Rudigcr ; but alp, in great meafure, and
particularly thofe refpeSling the grammar of a zvrittin colleSlion,
which Mr. Bauer, Hanoverian Secretary, took the opportunity in a
journey to Hungary, of learning from the Gipfies reftdcnt in his
ozvn country. For this civility, though intended to Councellor Biittner,
a 2 he
( i-v )
^ye I'iis at the fame time a well founded cla'ini to my thanks, which
•I take this public opportumty to return him.
The reafon zvhy this treatife is comprifed in a fmallcr compafs,
than was announced by the advertifement, is, that I, at firfr,
intended to compare viore languages, viz. every one, that various
■authors had, at different times, given out as the Gipfey tongue.
This affair, lonfidering the affiftance I had to depend upon, would
rot have been very difficult ; but when I confidered, hoiv well this
trouble ?night he fparcd, I confined niyfclf to the Hindofian alone,
not doubting, I ff:>all be readilv forgiven, for not, unneceffarily, taking
up the reader's time in dry difquijitiom.
Gottifigen,
^th September, 1783.
TABLE
TABLE of C O N T E N T S,
I NTRO D U C-riO N. >
FIRST SECTION.
D.ESCRiPilox of ibe GiPsiKs, tbeir manner of life, their CKJlomi
and properties^
CHAP T E R I.
Farii}us appellations of thefe people. . • P^^s" I
C H A P T E R ir.
On the dlfperfton of the Gipftes and their numbers in Ettrope. a
CHAPTER III.
TJ:e properties of their bodies. . . I "7
C H A P T E R IV.
On their food and beverage. • •
R ■
II
CHAPTER V.
On the drefs of the GipJteS. . . • I 1 7
CHAPTER VI,
( vl )
C H A P T E R VI.
On tl'eir fdmily Kconomy, . . • « 2 a
CHAPTER VII.
7'helr occupations and trades. . . . .27
CHAPTER VIII.
Oil their marriages and education. ... 45
CHAPTER IX.
On their ficknefs, death and burial. . . .50
CHAPTER X.
political regulations peculiar to the Gipjies. , • 53
CHAPTER XI.
On the religion of the Gipjies. . . . 5S
CHAPTER. XII.
'Tkelr language^, fciences and arts. . • • 61
CHAPTER XIIL
( vli )
CHAPTER XIII.
Cbara5ler and capacities of the Gipjies ; zvhether they are an
advantage or detrimeiii to a Jlate. , . 65
CHAPTER XIV.
Concerning their being tolerated by a Jlate. . • ■ 75
CHAPTER XV.
EJfay on their improvement. . - . , ■ . ■ 8z
^ Letter from a noble Hungarian Lady, on the fubjeul of the
Gipfies in Hungary. . . . - 89
SECOND SECTION.
On the Origin of the Gipsies.
CHAPTER I.
The f.rjl appearance of GipJies in Europe. * f 93
CHAPTER II.
On the fincli/y, pafsports, and difference of the former from
the latter Gipfus. . . . . 99
CHAPTER III.
( vi" )
CHAPTER m,
Trefunm Origin of the Gipfies. . , , loj
CHAPTER IV.
On the Egyptian dcfcent of the Gipfies. . . I14
CHAPTER V.
The Gipfies come from Hindojlaii. , , • 131
CHAPTER VI.
The Gipftes aye of the Cajl, called SvJcr 5. . . 1 68
A N
HISTORICAL ESSAY,
ON THE
GIPSIES.
INTRODUCTION.
Jl H E Gipfies are a fmgular phenomenon in Europe ,• whether^
we contemplate their habitations, attend at their meals, or even
only look in their faces, they always appear particular, and we
ace each moment ftruck with fomething new and extraordinary.
What appears moft worthy of remark is, that neither time, .
climate, nor example, have, in general, hitherto, made any
alteration. For the fpace of between three and four hundred
years, they have gone wandering about, like pilgrims and ftran-
gers: they are found in eaftern and weftern countries, as well
among the rude as civilifed, indolent and adtive people; yet they
remain ever, and every where, what their fathers were — Gipfies.
Africa makes them no blacker, nor Europe whiter; they neither
learn to be lazy in Spain; nor diligent in Germany: in Turkey
b Mahomet,
( X )
Mahomet, and among Chriftians Chrift, remain equally without
adoration. Around, on every fide they fee fixed dwellings, with
fettled inhabitants, they neverthelefs, go on in their own way,
and continue, for the moft part, unfettled wandering robbers.
When we fearch for fimilar cafes, among all the people who
have quitted their mother country, and inhabited a foreign one,
we do not meet with a fingle inftance that exadtly agrees with
them. Hiftory certainly does record people, that have migrated,
and remained the fame in a ftrange country ; but then this con-
ftancy has been either, on account of religion, permitted by the
regents, or maintained by their viftorious arms: but this laft
circumftance has exifted much lefs frequently than one would
imagine. Where a conquered people were more enlightened
than their conquerors, it has often happened, that the latter have
adopted their manners. The Romans became Greeks on the
conqueft of Greece; and the Franks became Gauls in that coun-
try: The Mantcheous vanquifhed the Chinefe, but Chinefe
cuftoms prevailed over thofe of the Mantcheous. How comes
it then, that the GIpfies, ^who never eftablifhed their manners
and cuftoms by force, nor, being bigotted to them by religion,
obtained any toleration from government, remain unchanged, and
refemble each other exadly, in every place ? There are two
caufes, to which this is principally owinp; one is the place from
whence they^ originate, with their coiifequent way of thinking;
the other is the circumftances which have hitherto attended tijeir
fituation.
The
( xi )
The Gipfies are an eaftcni people, and have eaftern notions.
It is inherent in uncivllifed people, particularly thofe of Oriental
countries, to be ftrongly attached to their own habits: every
cuftom, every conception, which has once been current among
them, be it ever fo (i) pernicious or ridiculous, (?.) is invariably
preferved; or any affeftion which has once predominated in their
minds, retains its dominion even for ages. Innovations do not
eafily fucceed with them. The leaft deviation from cuftom is
obferved, and often refented with impetuofity. It is neceflary,
in order for any new thing to take root, that it be either introdu-
ced by cunning and force, or be attended with the moft favorable
circumftances. This latter was the cafe with Chriftianity. Pro-
vidence had called Greeks and Romans into the eaft, and, by
innumerable viciffitudes, had rendered that country ripe for
further inftrudlion: then came the great fower, Chrift, fcattered
the feed, and it profpered. Mahomet, on the contrary, before
he became ftrong enough to convince with the fword, brought
about his purpofe by art. He knew that the weak fide of his
countrymen, was their veneration for every thing handed down
from their forefathers, fo gave his new religion the coloring of
antiquity.
He fays, " We have fwerved from the religion of our founder
" Abraham, and have introduced novelties among us : Abraham
" worfliipped only one God, we' have many Gods. 1 am fent to
" retrench thefe novelties, and to bring you back to the religion
" of your forefathers." This was the firft ground Mahomet
went upon, when the Iftimaelite would not acquiefce in the
b z. having
( xii )
having fallen oft' from Abraham's religion, he proceeded. " Yc
" are illiterate people, ye have no books, the inhabitants of the
" neighbouring countries have books, which cototain the religion
" of Abraham." The Arabians applied to the Jews and Chriflians,
■for information, on this head; as the event turned in favour 6l
Mahomet, they yielded without contradidlion. The new prophet
proceeded, in teaching, and again appealed to the people with
books : the Arabians too continued afking queftions, being more
tradable whenever his alTertions were confirmed : when the con-
trary happened, a difpute arofe, in which the prophet could only
get the better, by defending the antiquity of his madnefs at the
•expence of truth; accufing both the Jews and Chriftians with
'having falfified their books. (3)
What helped Mahomet with the Arabians, has been, in latter
times, very ferviceable to the Jefuits, in China. How would
thefe cunning fathers have got admiffion for their religion, among
the Chinefe, unlefs they had referred to Confucius, (4) in aid
of their dodtrines ? Thefe are only inftances of changes in reli-
gion, it is the fame in other things. In the eaftern nations no
improvement is adopted, be it of what kind it will, merely
becaufe it is an improvement. The Chinefe are acquainted with
•the ufe of glafs, yet their mirrors are always made of metal, and
their windows of oyfter fhells. (5) Mechanical watches have
been, for ages, ufed at the court of Pekin, but the bulk of the
Jiation depend upon fire and (6) water.
From
( xlii )
'From the above it is evident, that the Gipfies, on account of
their eaftern origin, and confequent way of thinking, are not
eafily made to change from what they once are. When we further
x:onlider the circumftances, under which thefe people have hither-
to exifted, we want nothing more, to make us comprehend, why
they have remained, to the prefent time, what they were at their
iirft arrival in Europe.
Figure to yourfelf a perfon, in whom cuftom, and deep rooted
affeclions, are the only, and at the feme time, llrong impulfes to
adtion; in whofe foul, no new unwonted thoughts arife, in con-
fequence of his own refledions, nor find eafy admittance when
propofed by others : leave this man entirely to himfelf, do not
permit any of thofe means to be ufed, which are requilite to give
a new turn to his ideas, and deep rooted prejudices; he muft
neceffarily remain the fame, and his lateft pofterity will continue
like him: this is exadlly the cafe with the Gipfies. Unufed
to refleft, fettered by habits, they arrived in our quarter of
the globe. No flate has, hitherto, done any thing for the exprefs
purpofe of inftrufting or reforming them; except the Emprefs
Therefa, by her regulations, which were never put in execution.
On their firft arrival, they procured paflports, and free quarters,
by their holy lies. They difperfed, begged, deceived the com-
mon people, by fortune telling ; they ftole, and for a iong time
nobody paid any attention to them. At lafl the evil grew too
enormous, the complaints againft them became fo loud, that
government was conflrained to take official notice of them; they
began punidiing; hanging and beheading were not found fuffi-
ciently
( xiv )
ciently efEcacions, yet It was neceffary to go to the root
of [the grievance ; it was judged expedient to banifli them ;
a method more likely to render them worfe than better, and even
in other refpefts is liable to many objedions, although the cuftom
has prevailed, down to thelateft times. The neighbour, to whom
thefe unpoli{hed guefts were fent, fooner or later, followed the
fame method, till, in the end, they were perfecuted by almoft all
kingdoms and ftates. Although, many ftates afterwards, relaxing
of their feverity, the Gipfies crept in, a few at a time, and were
fuffered to remain quiet : yet every one of them flood in fear,
innocent or guilty, left he might be taken unawares, merely
becaufe he was a Gipfey, and delivered over to the executioner.
They had been accuftomed in their own country, to live remote
from cities and towns ; now they became ftill more inhabitants of
the forefts and outcafts, as. In confequence of the fearch, which
was made after them, or at leaft threatened to be made, they
judged themfelves to be more fecure, in defarts and concealment,
than they would have been in frequenting the places of abode,
and having free interdourfe with the civil ifed inhabitants : whereby
they were deprived of the moft probable means of making them
change their manners. And yet had they not fequeftered them-
felves fo much from other people, or had they been more inclined
to mix in fociety, it is not probable, without fome direft interfe-
rence of the ftate, that they would have been the better for it.
They had two great o.bftacles to conquer. Firft, by mere inter-
courfe, it would have been, generally fpeaking, a difficult matter,
to eradicate the prejudices and cuftoms from their Oriental minds.
Secondly, being Gipfies, people would not eafily have eftablifhed
anv
( XV )
a"ny conelpondence with them. Let us reflect how different they
are from Europeans ; the one is white, the other black. This
cloaths himfelf, the other goes half naked. This fliudders at
the thought of eating carrion, the other prepares it as a dainty.
Moreover thefe people are famed, and were even from their firft
appearance in Europe, for being plunderers, thieves and incen-
diaries : fo that the European not only diflikes, but hates them.
For the above reafons, Europeans have always driven the Gipfies
away from them, (7) and it is only a few fimple people, who
have made a nearer acquaintance, in order to confult them in
matters of fuperftition.
This is the ftate of what has been done and attempted, for
their improvement ; whereas, as foon as it was difcovered, that
the Gipfies were ftrangers, who thought of nothing lefs, than
returning into their own country, if any plan had been formed
to make them apply to fomething, and only half the wife
regulations, left behind by the Emprefs Therefa in her ftates,
for the management of thefe people, been adopted, and duly
enforced, they would long ago have been diverted of the rude
nature of their anceftors, and have ceafed to be the uncultivated
branches of a wild ftock. On the contrary, having always been
left to themfelves, it could not be o^iherwife, but that they muft
remain for ever, and in all places, the lame.
Perhaps it may be refcrved for our age, in which fo much
is attempted for the benefit of ftates and mankind, to humanife
a people.
( xvi )
a people, who, for centuries, have wandered in error and neglecTc
At leaft the great Jofeph has now undertaken (8) it, whofe
orders are not ufed to be buried in flumber and oblivion, without
effefting the purpofe for which they were intended. It cannot
be denied, that, confidering the multitude of them, their reform
is a very ferious event to many ftates. Suppofe, according to
a rough eftimate, that the Gipfies in Hungary and Tranfilvania,
including the Banat, may amount to upwards of one hundred
thoufand ; what a difference would it not make, in thofe countries, if
one hundred thoufand inhabitants, moftly loungers, beggars, cheats,
and thieves, who now reap where they have not fown, confuming-
the fiTjits of others labor, were to become induftrious ufeful
fubjefts. Their reformation is a difficult taflc, as the attempts,
made by the Emprefs Therefa, evince ; a boy, (for you muft
begin with them from children, and not meddle with the old
ftrock, on whom no efforts will .take effedl: ) would frequently
appear in the moft promifing train to civilifation ; on a fudden
; his wild nature would break out, he relapfed. and became a perfeft
Gipfey again. But the matter is not, therefore, impoffible :
was it not even fo with the Saxons, whom Charles the Great •
converted to Chriftianity ? Let the ftate only perfevere in its ■
endeavors, fomething will be gained on the fecond generation,
and with the third or fourth, the end will certainly be a£~
complifhed.
On confidering the properties, and manners of the Gipfies, •
we may perceive, that thefe people are endued with very good :
capacities.
( xvii )
capacities, which promife to make a profitable return, for
much trouble beftowed upon them. In the firft Section I pro-
duce only one attempt, made on this fpeculatlon, and Ihall be
happy to find it fufficiently compleat, to give the leading
features of their charadler.
The origin of the Gipfies has remained a perfe(5t philofopher's
ftone till now. For thefe two hundred years paft, people have
been anxious, to difcover, who thefe guefts are, who under the
name of Gipfies, came unknown and uninvited into Europe,
in the fifteenth century, and have chofen to remain here ever
fince. No older enquirer ever produced what met with his
fucceflbr's approbation ; a fourth fcarce heard what a third had
faid, before he pafled fentcnce and broached a new opinion.
There is no caufe for wonder at the mifcarriage of thefe en-
quiries, which were neither more nor lefs, than a collection of
conjeftures, founded on imagination and partial fpeculation.
An author fet to work, to difcover a country, or people to whom '
the Gipfies could belong, he found out a place which had been
named, for inflance, Zeugitana, or a people who bore fome fainf
refemblance to the Gipfies. As one coal lights another, thefe
two fimilarities became perfeftly applicable to the Gipfies, he
flopped here and publiflied his difcovery.
Several inveftigators laid their foundation on hearfay, and un-
authenticated evidence; they then endeavored to help out this
t-eftiraony by modelling the extraneous circumftances, which
c -could
( xvui )
could not be paired over, in order to make them coincide with
it ; if, notwitliftanding all this, difEeulties ftill occurred, they-
borrowed Alexander's fword, and cut the knot which no milder
means could undo.
That this has been the mode of proceeding hitherto, it is
tinnecefiary to prove here, as it will be frequently done in the
courfe of the work. Even hnd the imagination not magnified any-
thing, nor modelled cjrcumftances agreeable to its own fancy ; yet
the following, which is taken for granted, " that tzvo people-
" refembliiig each other in one or tzvo particulars, mujl be defcendei
" from the fame Jlock" is an over-hafty conclufion. In the firft place
rejcA that the moft different nations may agree in fome points,
further, make the allowance for various parts of the world pro-,
ducing inhabitants with fimilar fhapes and colors, what then re-
mains to prove that the Gipfies are defcended from any one of the.-
people which they have, been traced from..
There is no record, or hiftorical fource, leading to a direfii-
difcovery of the origin of the Giplies ; thofe which have beeH'
thought fo, are not genuine. Therefore nothing remains, but
to feek the truth through winding ways, by this means, it'
may certainly be found : a man muft not go to tombftones,.
lately eredted, in German church yards, nor adduce a fingle
cviftom, or the name of a country bearing a refemblance to that
of Gipfey, as grpunds of proof; and, on the other hand, over-
Ippk an hundred difficulties, or even pofitive contradidions..
But
But if ih language of the Gipjies, tkeir m>ne, the conformation of '
their bodies and minds, their cujioms and religious principles, mark
d country, where it is pqffible for them to have been indigenous :
zvhen Hiflory and Chronology corroborate it, and there is not any other
country in the zvorld, to which the Gipjies, all thefe particulars taken
together, could belong .' Then the country, where all thefe cir-
cumftances meet, muft be likewile their true mother country.
Whether their Hindoftan origin has fo much in its favor,
is more than I will venture to affirm; as it may be very
poffible, that I believe what does not exift. The examination-
of judges muft determine, whether, like my predeceflbrs, I have
err&d, or have difcovered the truth*.
Differ tation on the Gipsies.
SECTION I.
Description of the Gipsies, their manner of life, their cujloms
and properties..
CHAPTER I.
Fdrious appellations of thefe people.
JL T is no uncommon thing, for the fame people to be called by
different names, in different nations; this is the cafe of the
Gipfies. The French had their firft accounts of them from
Bohemia, which occafioned their giving them the name of
(Bohemiens) ( i ) Bohemians : the Dutch, fuppofing they came
from Egypt, called them Heathens (Heydens.) In Denmark,
Sweden, and fome parts of Germany, Tartars (2) were thought
of: the Moors and Arabians, perceiving their propenfity to
thieving, chofe the name Charami (3) (robbers) for them.
They were formerly called Pharaohites, in Hungary, (Pharoah
nepek, Pharoah's people) and the vulgar in Tranfilvania, continue
that name for them. (4) The Englifh do not differ much
from thefe latter, calling them Egyptians (Gipfies), any more
than the Portuguefe and Spaniards (Gitanos). (j) The .Cle-
B mentines
( ^ )
Chap. I. mentines in Syrmia, ufe the appellation, Madjub, (6) and th^
inhabitants of the leffer Bucharia that of Diajii. (7) The name
of Zigeuner has extended itfelf farther than any other : thefe
people are fo called not only in all Germany, Italy and Hungary,
(tzigany) but frequently in Tranfilvania, (8) Wallachia and
Moldavia (Cyganis). (9) Moreover the Turks, and other eaftern
nations have no other than this name for them (10) (Tfchingenes),
and perhaps the before cited Diajii, of the Bucharians, may be
the very fame. Some fay they call themfelves Moors, (11) but
that is falle, as Moor is not the name of any people, it is only an
adjund : (12) it is really a pity, fmce this name would have been
fo fair a pretence to make Amorites of them, as fome writers
have done. It is not by any means proved, that the modern
Greeks called them Athingans; (13) this opinion refts more on
the arbitrary afTertions of fome learned men, than on real fafts :
which is alfo the cafe with the reft of the catalogue of nanies,
that have been difperfed, in various treatifes on the origin of the
Gipfies ; as will be demonftrated farther on.
CHAPTER II.
On the difperfion of the Gipfies, and their numbers in Europe.
JL T is incredible how numerous thefe people are, and how wide
they have difperfed themfelves over the face of the Earth. They
wander about in Afia ; ( i ) in the interior part of Africa, they
plunder the merchants of Agades; (2) and, like locufts, have
overrun moft European countries. America feems to be the only
part of the world, where they are not known, as I find no mention
made of them, by any writer on that quarter of the globe. I
flrall
C 3 )
fHall not detain my reader with the hlftory of thofe in Afia and ' Chap. II.
Africa ; as we have not any minute accounts of them ; but will
confine myfelf to thofe in Europe.
There are but few countries, here, which are entirely free from
Gipfies ; although, for centuries, every ftate has been endeavouring
to rid itfclf of them. Under King Henry VIII. (3) and Queen
Elizabeth, (4) they were fet up as a mark for general perfecution
in England : there are, neverthelefs, great numbers ftill to be found
there : (5) feven or eight years ago, they even threatened to
fet the town of Northampton on fire, becaufe the magiftrates
had arrefted fome of their young people, whofe releafe they
foUicited in vain : feveral of them were hanged for it : they had
in the mean time (hewn plainly, that their race was nothing
lefs than annihilated. It is not uncommon, in the county of
Bedford particularly, to fee them lying, in bye places, to the
number of forty or fifty together : but they are cautious how they
travel about in companies, and are rarely feen, in towns or villages
but by one at a time.
Spain contains fo many of thefe people, efpecially in the
fouthern provinces, that they go about in large troops ; threat-
ening to plunder and murder travellers, whom they happen to
meet, in lonely places, where there is no city, nor any place of
refuge near. (6)
Swinburne rates their number very high, affuring us, that
the lofs of the Gipfies would only be perceived by the apparent
diminution of population. (7) Now as Spain contains eleven
millions of people, how confiderable a draft mufl; it be to render
it perceptible. Twifs alfo mentions a great many, but fums up
B 2. a determinate.
\
X 4 )
Ghap. -11. a determinate quantity, 40,000; (8) which is a great number to
be lure, but certainly rather twice twenty, or even twice forty
thoufand too few, than a man too many ; unlefs we charge
Swinburne and others, with having greatly exceeded, even admit-
ting, that he means to be underftood as fpeaking of the fouthern
provinces only.
In France they are rather fcarce, for the obvious reafon, that
every Gipfey who can be apprehended, falls a facrifice to the police.
Lorrain and AU'atia are indeed exceptions, they being very nume-
rous there, efpecially in the forefts of Lorrain. Here they feem
to meet with milder treatment, yet, according to the affurances of
a traveller, many of them are to be found in the goals of Lorrain.
They have increafed the more in this diftrift, in confequence of
the late Duke of Deuxponts' having been very affiduous in looking
after, and driving them from his dominions ; whither the prefent
duke will not fuffer them to return.
-I now come to Italy, where they are univerfally to be found,
infomuch that, as I am informed, even Sicily and Sardinia are not
free. They are moft numerous in the dominions of the Church ;
I prefume, hecauCc there is the worft police, and much fuperftition.
The former does not difhirb, and the latter entices them to deceive
the ignorant, as it affords them an opportunity to make a plentiful
harveft by their fortune telling, and enchanted amulets. There is
a general law throughout Italy, that no Gipfey fliall remain more
than two nights (9) in any one place : by this regulation, it is
true, no place retains its gueft long, but no fooner is one gone,
ihan another comes in his room : it is a continvial circle, and quite
cs convenient to them as .a perfeft toleration would he. Italy
rather
( 5 )
rather fulfers than profits by this law, as, by keeping thcfe people Chap. II-
in continual motion, they do more mil'chief there than in other
places.
They are very fcarce in many parts of Germany; as well .as
in Switzerland and the Low Countries. A man may live many
years in Upper Saxony, or in the diftridls of Hanover and
Brunfwic, without feeing a fingle Gipfey : when one, by chance,
ftrays into a village or town, he makes as much difturbance as if
the black gentleman appeared, with his cloven foot ; he frights
children from their play, and draws the attention of the older
people, till the police officers get hold of him, and make him
again invifible. On the contrary, in other provinces, particularly
on the Rhine, a Gipfey is a very common fight. A few years ago
there were fuch numbers of them in the Dutchy of Wurtemburg,
that they were lying about every where : but as they either,
according to cuftom, lived by thieving, by fortune telling or other
tricks, plundering the common people of their money, the prefent
Duke ordered fome hundred foldiers, to drive them from their
holes and lurking places, throughout his country, then tranfported
the congregated fwarm out of his dominions, juft in the fame
manner as was above related, that they were treated by the Duke
of Deuxponts.
I do not know how they are fituated in Poland.
That they are to be found in Denmark, (lo) Sweden, (ii)
-and Ruffia, (12) is certain, but how numerous they are in thofe
countries I cannot affirm. I fliall therefore proceed to the South
■Eaft part of Eitrope.
Thefe
( 6 )
Chap. II. Thefe countries feem to be the general rendezvous of the-
Gipfies ; their number amounts in Hungary, according to a writtea-
account I have before me, to upwards of 50,000 : (13) and in the
diftrifts of the Banat, Grifellini (14) aflures us, that when Count
Clary occupied the place of Prefident, they were reckoned to be
5500 : yet they appear to be ftill more numerous in Tranfilvania.
It is not only Mr. Benko, who fays they fwarm upon the land
like locufls, (15) but I have alfo a certain calculation from
Hermanftadt, wherein their numbers are eftimated at between 35
and 36,000.
Cantemir fays the Gipfies are difperfed all over Moldavia, where
every Baron has feveral families of them fubjeft to him; (16)
in Wallachia, and the Sclavonian (17) countries, they are quite
as numerous. In Wallachia and Moldavia they arc divided into
two clafles, the princely and bojarifh, the former, according to
Sulzer, amount to many thoufands, but that is a mere trifle, in
comparifon of the latter : there is not a fingle bojar in Wallachia,
but has at leaft three or four of them for flaves, the rich have often
fome hundreds each, under their command.
Beflarabia, all Tartary, Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, fwarm
(18) with them; even in Conftantinople (19) they are innumerable.
In Romania, a large trad of Mount Hsmus, which they inhabit,
has acquired from them, the name 'Tfchenghe Falkan^ (Gipfey
Mountain.) This diftrift extends from the city Aydos, quite to
Philippopolis, and contains more Gipfies than any other province
in the Turkifli empire. (20)
From what has been advanced, the reader will be enabled to
form fome conception, how confiderable a fet of people the Gipfies
are.
( 7 )
are in Europe, independent of the numbers that are in (21) Egypt, Chap. II.
and fome parts of Alia.
If we had an exadt eftimate of ihem in the different countries,
or if the unfettled life of diefe people, did not render it extreamly
difficult to procure fuch an one ; the immenfe number would
greatly exceed what we have any idea of. At a moderate calcula-
tion, without being at all extravagant, they might be reckoned at
■between 7 and 800,000. What a ferious matter of confideration,
when we refleft, that the greateft part of thefe people are idlers,
cheats and thieves ? What a field does this open for many a
government's contemplation ? but more of this in another
place.
CHAPTER III.
The properties of their bodies.
H
A D the Giplies made no more than a temporary appear-
ance, and we could only be acquainted with them, from the annual
publications of former centuries ; it would be difficult to form
any other idea, than that they were a herd of Monfters and
Beelzebubs. We find in thofe books, frequent mention made of a
favage people, black ( i ) horrid men. But now that they have continued
to our time, and we have an opportunity of feeing, with our own
eyes, hew tlKy are formed, and what appearance they make, they
are fo fortunate, as to have authors, who commend their beauty,
and take great pains to fet forth their advantages ; though (2)
many, indeed moft of the moderns, their color and looks being the
lame, (3) perfedly agree v/ith the writers of paft centuries, in their
accounts
C 8 )
CtK'.p. IJI, accounts of them. Both parties are in the right, when we confider,
that what appears beautifbl in the eyes of one perfon, is poffibly'
ugly and deformed in the eyes of another : tliis depends entirely
upon u!e. For this reafon their dark brown, or olive colored Ikin,-
with their white teeth appearing between their red lips, may be
a difgufting light to an European, unaccuftomed to fee fucii'
piftures. Let me only afk if, as children, we have not at fome
time or other run affrighted from a Glpfey ? The cafe is entirely
altered, if we only diveft ourfelves of the idea that a black Ikin is'
"lifagreeable. Their white teeth, their long black hair, on which'
rhey pride themfelves very highly, and will not permit to be cut
off, their lively black rolling eyes, are, without difpute, properties,
which mufh be ranked among the lift of beauties, even by the
modern civilized European world. They are neither overgrown
giants, nor diminutive dwarfs ; their limbs are formed in the jufteft
proportion. Large bellies are, among them, as uncommon as
liump backs, blindnefs or other corporal defefts. When Grifellint
afferts that tlie breafts of the Gipfey women, at the time of their
jiurftng, increafe to a larger fize than the child they give fuck to,
it is an affcrtion deRitute of proof, and juft as true as many other
arguments he adduces to prove the Giplies are Egyptians. Pro-
bably he may have confounded himfelf, by thinking of the
Hottentots, that circumftance being true of them, though not
of the (4) Gipfies. Every Gipfey (1^) is naturally endued with
agility, great fupplenefs, and the free ufe of his limbs : thefe
qualities are perceptible in his whole deportment, but in an
extraordinary degree, whenever he happens to be furprized in
an.
C 9 )
an improper place : in the aft of thieving, with a flolen goofe Chap. III.
or fowl in his hand, he runs off fo nimbly, that unlefs his purfuer
be on (6) horfeback, the Gipfey is fure to efcape. Thefe people
are blefled with an aftonifhing good fiiate of health. Neither
wet nor dry weather, heat nor cold, let the extreams follow each
other never fo quick, feem to have any effetfl on them. Gipfies
are fond of a great degree of heat ; it is their grcatefh luxury to
lie day and night fo near the fire, as to be in danger of burning ;
at the fame time they can bear to travel, in the fevereft cold and
froft bareheaded, with no other covering than a torn fliirr or fome
old rags, careleflly thrown over them, without fear of catching
cold, cough, or any other diforder. (7)
If we endeavour to difcover the caufes of thefe bodily qualities
of the Gipfies, we find them, or at leaft, fome of them, very
evidently in their education and manner of life. They are lean,
but how ftiould they be corpulent, as they are not guilty of excefs
in eating or drinking ; for if they get a full meal to day, they muft
not repine, if they fhould be vinder the neceffity of keeping ftrift
faft tomorrow, and the next day. They have iron conftitutions,
becaufe they have been brought up hardily. The pitilefs mother,
takes her three months old child upon her back, wanders
about in fair or foul weather, in heat or cold, without troubling
her head what may happen to it. When a- boy comes to be three
years old, his lot is ftill harder. While an infant, and his age ■
reckoned by weeks and months, he was at leafi: wrapped up clofc
in rags : but now, deprived even of thofe, he becomes, equally
with his parents, expofed to the rigour of the elements, for want
of covering ; he is now put to the trial how far his legs will carry
C him,.
C fo )
Ciiip. in. him, and miifl; be content to walk on the ice in the froft, witJi
no other defence for his feet than thin focks. Thus he grows
up, and attains his good health by hardlhip and mifery : We may
as eafily account for the colour of their flcin. The Laplanders,
Samoyeds, as well as the Siberians, have brown, yellow colored fkins,
in confequence of living, from their childhood, in fmoak and dirt
as the Gipfies do : thefe would, long ago, have got rid of their
fwarthy complexions, if they had difcontinued their Gipfey manner
of living. Obferve only a Gipfey from his birth, till he comes to
man's eftate, and one muft be convinced, that their color is not, fo
much, owing to their defcent, as to the naftinefs of their bodies.
In fummer the child is expofed to the fcorching fun, in winter it
is fliut up in a fmoaky hut. Some mothers fmear their children
over with a black ointment, and leave them to fry in the fun or
near the fire. (8). Theyfeldom trouble themfelves about walliing,
or other modes of cleaning themfelves. Experience alfo Ihews us
that it is more education and manner of life, than defcent, which
has propagated this black color of the Gipfies, from generation to
generation. Among thofe' who profefs mufic in Hungary, or ferve
in the Imperial army, where they have learnt to pay more attention
to order and cleanlinefs, there are many to be found, whofe ex-
traftion is not at all difcernible in their (9) color. As they had,
probably, remained to the age of twelve or fourteen years, under
the care of their filthy parents ; they muft neceflarily have borne
the marks of the dirt contrafted during thefe fourteen years, when
they firft began to adopt a different mode of life. How much lefs
then, Ihould we be able to diftinguifli a Gipfey, if taken when a
child from its lluttifh mother, and brovight up under fome cleanly
perfon.
perfon. In trie fame manner, we may account for their white teeth Chap. ITI.
and found limbs, from their manner of life. The former are
evidences of their fpare diet, the latter prove them to have been
reared more according to the didlates of nature, than thofe of art,
and tendernefs. r
CHAPTER IV.
On tkeir food and beverage.
T.
HOSE among them, who are more connefted with civilized-
people, are not remarkable in their diet ; though it is to be
obferved .of them, as well as other Gipfies, that they are not at
all neat in their cookery. The others, on the contrary, have
their table furniilied in a very extraordinary way. Sometimes they
faft, or at beft, have only bread and water to fubfift upon, at other
times they regale on fowls and geefe. It is a great feaft to them,
whenever they can procure a roaft, of cattle that have died of any
diftemper. It js all one to them, whether it be the carrion of a
fheep, hog, cow, or other beaft, horfe flefl^ only excepted : they
are fo far from being difgufted with it, that to eat their fill of fuch
a meal, is to them the height of epicurifm. When any one
cenfures their tafte, or fhews furprife at it, they anfwer, " the
" flefh of a beaft which God (i) kills, muft be better than of one
" killed by the hand of nian."^ They therefore take every oppor-
tunity of getting fuch dainties. That they take carrion from a
layftall, as is affirmed of the Gipfies in Hungary, (2) is by no
means certain, any more than that they eat horfe fledi. (3) Bui;.
C z if
( 12 )
Chnp. I\'- if a beaft, out of im herd dies, and they find it before it becomes
rotten and piitrified ; or if a fiirmer gives them notice of a cow
dead (4) in the flable, they proceed without helitation, to get
pofleffion of their booty. Their favourite objeft is animals, that
have been deftroyed by fire, therefore, whenever a conflagration
has happened, either in town or country, the next day the Gipfies,
from every neighbouring quarter, aflemble and draw the fuftbcated,
half confumed beafbs out of the afhes. Men, women and children,
in troops, are extreamly bufy, joyfully carrying the flefh home to
their dwelling places : they return feveral times, provide themfelves
plentifully with this roaft meat, and gluttonize in their huts, as
long as their noble fare lafts. (5) The manner of dreffing this
delicious food, is curious, they boil or roaft what is intended for
the firft day, if they have more than they can confume at once,
the remainder is either dried in the fun, or fmoaked in their huts,
then eaten without any farther preparation. (6)
I might here introduce fomething concerning their tafte for
human flefh, and adduce as proofs, the inftances which have lately
happened in Hungary, (7) were I not apprehenfive it might be
objefted, that thefe examples are different from common experience,
as well as from the old accounts, handed down to us, concerning
thefe people. I fhall, therefore, not infift on this article, but
entirely give up the point, of Gipfies being men eaters, except juft
hinting, that it would be expedient for governments to be watchful.
The inftances, in Hungary, do not appear, by any means, fo
cafual and uncommon, as people may imagine. AVhat, according to
the niceft examination has been done, not by o/ic but k'uihj, not by
ten, but even two hundred, and perhaps by tkoufands ; not yejlerday
and
( 15 ) ^
• ■ . Chap. I\
antl to dav, but many years back; finally, not by the whole body
together, but fmgle parties by them/elves, in different places ;
Ihall thefe things be deemed only cafual exceffes ? Should it be
aflerted, in addition to this, that the eating human flcfli is in u(e,
and an allowed thing, in the country from whence they originate;
we might with greater probability mention this fhocking faft, ot
feeding on human fleih, as a prevailing cuftom among the Gipfies.
This is expreffly mentioned in hiftories, which affure us, chat
among the particular clafs of people, from whom the Gipf.e^
fpring, it is a long eftabliflied habit, for the neareft relations and
friends, to kill and eat each other. I (ball not bring proof of ir
in this place, as it belongs to the fecond feftion : let it fuffice, jufi
to have hinted the matter, in order that it may be known, towards
what people we are to look for the Gipfws. As to the objeftion,
that among all the crimes with which they have been charged, in
•the older writings, eating human fieJJ: is not pofitively alledged
againft them, it may be obviated by more than one anfwer. In
the firft place let it be attended to, hiftory relates, and the event
in Hungary confirms, that they murder one another; further,
confider their wandering way of life ; laftly, that they generally
abide in bye places ; and it may all be eafdy accounted for. An
hundred fathers may facrifice their children to their voluptuoufnefs,
and the crime as often remain concealed. The abfent perfon is
not mifled, as nobody watches over a family, continually in motion,
and every where a ftranger. Juft as unlikely is it, that government
Ihould be informed of it ; they cannot attend to ^^'hat is tranfafted
in corners, at a diftance from their place of refidence. There is
no reafon to fuppofo any of their o^vn people ftould think it their
dutv
( H )
Chap. IV. duty to inform, as. not being contrary to their ufual praclicc, tiia,y
do not efteem it wrong. It is very poflible for them to have
deftroyed many others, without being recorded in the courts of
juftice, or jioticed in the annual publications. Who ever thought
to enquire of them, after any traveller, who, far diftant from his
own country, might have fallen into their hands and been cut off.
Or how are the remains of the poor vidim to be traced, if they
devour what is eatable, and burn the bones. (8) Thofe Hunga-
rian wretches, have, according to their' own account, for twelve
years gratified their horrid cravings, undifcovered by the magif-
trates, in a country where the police is by no means bad : perhaps
they might have gone on unfufpefted for ever, had they not laid
their unlucky hands on the people of the country, thereby bring.-
ing on a ftr,i(ft enquiry, and rendering the difcovery more eafy.
Nor do the older writings feem to be entirely filent on this head,
at leaft there is an appearance of fomething of the kind in them.
Many authors mention the Gipfies ftealing people, and accufe
them particularly of .lying in wait for young children. (9) Others
again deny this, faying, that the Gipfies have brats enough of
their own, therefore need covet nothing lefs than ftrange chil^
dren. (10) How does it look, if we fuppofe they did not want
to rear thefe children, but to facrifice them to their inordinate
appetite, and the Hvingarian intelligence expreffly fays, they were
particularly fond of., young, fubjecls. What renders the truth of
this accufation, in the old writings fufpicious, is, that before even
a fingle Gipfey had fet his foot in Europe, the Jews lay under the
fame imputation. (11) Perhaps in this, as in manv other inftances,
the calumny invented againft the Jews, might be transferred tp
th<i
( '5 )
the Gipfies alio. This alone confidered, the imputation of kid- Chap. IV.
napping children might become doubtful, but then occurs the
weighty circumflance, that it has been judicially proved in
England ; and, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, an aft of parli-
ament was palfed on the occafion. (12) Enough of this; let
people realon upon the cannibal appetite of the Gipfies as they
will, from what has been faid, there will always remain ground
for fufpicion.
After having (hewn how little nice they are in their appetites,
we Ihould fcarcely expert to find them fqueamifli, with regard to
thofe things which are highly eftcemed among civilized people.
Grifelini gives a long catalogue of articles of diet, which are
dlfagreeable to a Gipfey's palate. Not to mention beans and oniorts,
the other rejected meats are by no means trifling, viz. red bream,
pcarch, lampreys, Avltli every kind of Avild fowl. (13) This
aflTertion is very dubious, for Gipfies not only do eat beans and
onions, but are very fond of them, (14) and as for the red bream,
pheafants, partridges, peairch and lampreys, their only reafon fdr
abftaining from them, is the difficulty of procuring them : in that
they are in the fame predicament with many other people.
The Gipfies are not much accuftomed to baking of bread,
that is an article which they buy, beg, fteal, or go entirdy with-
out. If by chance they do bake, it is done quite in the eaftern
method. A wood fire is made on the ground, which foon becomes
embers, in the mean time the mother kneads her dough, forms
it; into fmall cakes, Ifys them en the hot \aihes, which bake
them, (i ;)
h
( i6 )
Chap. lY. It is no part of their politenefs to eat with a knife and fork,
to ufe a table or plate, even a difii is by no means univerfal among
them. Their whole kitchen and table apparatus, confift of an
earthern pot, an iron pan, which, alfo ferves for a dilh, a knife
and a fpoon. When the meal is ready, the whole family fit
around the pot or pan, the boiled or roaft is divided into pieces,
on which they fall to ; their fingers and teeth, ferving them for
knives and forks, as does the ground for table and plates. ( 1 6)
The common drink of the Gipiies is water, ; now and then beer
when it cofts them nothing. Wine is too coftly, nor is it particu-
larly grateful to them. The cafe is very different when (17) brandy
comes in queftion, which they love immoderately. They like to
intoxicate themfeives, which being eafieft, and foonefl effefted
with brandy, it is in their efteem. the only liquor worth purchafmg,
all they can earn goes that way ; whenever by chance they become
poffefTed of a penny, it is expended at the tieft houle where
brandy (18) is to be met with. Every chriftening, wedding, or
other occafion of rejoicing,, is folemnized with brandy. If they
have plenty of li; they carry the world before them, each tries,
by fcreaming or hallowing, to exprefs his felicity, and fhew
how perfeft his happinefs is. (19)
Notwithfl:anding the great thirft the Gipfies have for brandy,
it is even exceeded by their immoderate love for tobacco. This
is nor, as one fliould fuppofe, peculiar to the men ; for the
women fbmetimes exceed them in it : they not only fmoak it,
but chew and fwallow the very leaves and flalks, with great
avidity. In order that it may the fooner reach its place of defti-
aation, and fhimulate the gums and tongue more forcibly, they
make
( n )
make ufe of a pipe not longer than one's finger ; this pipe is made Chap. V.
of wood, for oeconomical reafons, as it abforbs the moifture, and
thereby becomes a very great Gipfey delicacy, for having fmoaked
it as long as they chufe, they gnaw it with aftonifliing greed incfs,
till not a fplinter remains. It is immaterial, whether the pipe be
fmoaked by the perfon himfelf or another, to bring it to the
proper degree of perfeftion. He accepts it, as a valuable prefent
from any body, and is fo choice of it, that it frequently lafts him
many days. He will abftain from food for more than a day, when
he can procure a leaf of tobacco, or a piece of his pungent pipe,.
which he chews, drinks a little water, and is happy. (20) This-
furely exceeds every thing one has heard, of the moft famous
fraoaker,
CHAPTER V.
On the drefs of the Gipjies^
Ti
HERE is no reafon to expeft, that the defcription of the,-
drefs of a fet of people, whofe whole oeconomy belongs to the
clafs of beggars, (liould exhibit any thing but poverty and want..
The firft of them which came to Europe, appeared ragged and
miferable, (i) unlefs we perhaps allow their leaders to have been
an exception, (2) in like manner their defcendants have made fliift
for hundreds of years, and ftill do. This is remarkable in the
countries about the mouth of the Danube, which abound with
Gipfies, namely Tranfilvania, Hungary, and Turkey in Europe,
where they drefs |nore negligently, than in any part of Germany.
D The
( '8 )
Chap. V. "The Gipfies efteem a covering for the head a vety ufelefs thing :
the wind will not eafily blow his hat off, who never wears any
thing of the kind, except when he has a mind to make a figure,
even then a rough cap (3) fupplies the place of one. The
covering for his feet alfo does not coft him much. In winter,
provided the female Gipfies do not knit focks, which their women
in Moldavia and Wallachia do, with wooden (4) needles, they
wind a couple of rags round the feet, which in fummer they lay
afide as unneceflary. (5) They are not better provided with linen,
as the women neither fpin, few, nor wafh. For want of change,
what he once puts on his body, remains there till it rots and falls
off >of itfelf. (6) His whole drefs often confifts of only a pair of
breeches and a torn fliirt.
We are not to fuppofe that the Gipfies drefs fo ill becaufe they
are indifferent about it, on the contrary, they iove fine cloaths to
an extravagant degree : the want proceeds from neceffity, which is
become a fecond nature, forgetting that labour and care are the
means to procure, as well cloaths as nourifhment. Whenever an
opportunity offers of acquiring a good coat, either by gift, pur-
chafe, or theft, he immediately beftirs himfelf to become mafter of
it, he puts it on direftly, without attending, in the leaft, to
whether it futes the reft of his apparel. If his dirty fliirt had holes
in it as big as a barn door, or his breeches v/ere fo out of condition,
that one might perceive their antiquity at the firft glance; were he
unprovided with fhoes, ftockings, or a hat, it would not prevent
his ftrutting about in a laced coat, and valuing himfelf the more
upon it, in cafe it happened to be a red one. Martin Kelpius
rjierefore fays, that the Gipfies in Tranfilvania,, fpend all their
earnings
C ^9 )
♦earnings in akhoufes and in cloaths. Their drefs is fo particular, Chap. Vh
that it would excite laughter in the fterneft philofopher, to fee a
Gipfey parading about, with a beaver hat, a fdk or red cloth coat,
at the fame time his breeches torn, and his fhoes or boots covered
with patches. (7) ,
Benko alfo aflures us, that this kind of ftate is common iu
Tranfilvania, and adds, the Gipfies are particularly fond of cloaths
made after the Hungarian fafhion, or which had been worn by
people of diftindit)n (8). All this is equally the cafe with refpeft
to the Gipfies in Hungary. I fhall tranfcribe rhe whole paflage
from the Imperial Gazettes, being very much to the purpofe.
" Notwithftanding thefe people are fo wretched, that they have
" nothing but fags to cover them, which do not at all fit, and
" are fcarce fufficient to hide their nakednefs; yet they betray
" their foolifh tafte and vain oftentation, whenever they have
" an opportunity."
la Tranfdvania fome of them wear the AVallachian drefs, bus
in Hungary they are fo wedded to the country habit, that a Gipfey
had rather go half naked, or wrap himfelf up in a lack, than he
would condefcend to wear a foreign garb, even though a very good
one were given to him. They like green very well, but fcarlct li
the colour which they prefer to all others ; for which reafon a man
cannot appear abroad in a red habit, though worn out, withoutv
being furrounded by a crowd of Gipfies, old and young, who iri
the open ftreet want to purchafc of him, be it coat, pelliffe, or
breeches. Unlefs feverely pinched by the cold, or in cafe of th^
greateft neceffity, they will not deign to put on a boors coat :
they, rather chufe to buy for their own ufe caft off cloaths, if they,
D. z happen
( 20 )
■:Chap. V. happen to be ornamented with lace or loops, they ftrut about in
fuch drefles, as proudly as if they were not only lords of the
diflrid, but of the whole creation. Thus they expend all the
money they can fpare, in fuch fort of cloaths, as are not at all
becoming their ftation, nor anfvver any other purpofe, but to
betray their filly notions, and expofe them to the world. They
do not pay the lead regard to fymmetry, nor care what reafonable
people think of their drefs ; if they can only get fomething fhining
to put on, that will catch the eye, they give themfelves no concern
whether the reft is very bad, or whether they have it not at all.
It is no uncommon fpeftacle to fee a Gipfey, parading the flreets,
in an embroidered pellifle, or laced coat trimmed with filver
buttons, barefooted, without an hat, and a dirty ragged fbirt, or
a pair of embroidered fcarlet breeches, and perhaps no other
covering but half a fliirt. (9)
Nothing pleafes an Hungarian Gipfey fo much, as a pair oT
yellow (tfchifchmcn) boots and fpurs : no fooner do thefe glitter
on his feet, but he bridles up, and marches confequentially about,
often eying his fine boots, but never minds that his breeches may
have loft a fore or a hind part, or be in fome other refpefts quire
:liabby. (10)
The uiual drefs of the women is not a jot better than the men's,
they have generally been thought rather to go beyond them ip.
filth and n^ttinefs. (11) (12)
Their appearance is lliocking to any civilized perfon : their
whole covering confifts of, either a piece of linen thrown over
the head and wound round the thighs, or an old iliift hung over
'.them, through which their Ihwaky hides appear in numberlefs
places.
( 21 )
places. Sometimes, in winter, the)' wrap ihemfelves in a piece of Chap. ▼.
woollen ftufF like a cloak. Occafionally their drefs partakes of
the other fex, as they (13) wear breeches or fome other male
habiliment. They ufe the fame covering for the feet as the men,
cither a pair of coarfe focks, knit with wooden needles, which is
commonly done in Moldavia and 'Wallachia, or they few them up
In rags, which remain on till the ftufF perilhes and falls off, cr
till fpring comes on, at which feafon, both men and women go
barefooted. (14)
They are as fond of drefs as the men, and equally ridiculous in
it, they often zcriir a drefs cap, while their rotten linen jacket,
fcarce covers thofe parts which nature inftrufts us to conceal, or
leave their fmoaked breafts open to view. (15) Tn Spain the\
hang all forts of trumpery in their ears, plaifter their temples with
great patches of black filk, befides a number of baubles about
-t4ie neck. (16)
The Gipfies take very little trouble about their childrens drefs,
thefe run about naked in the true Calmuc ftile, till ten years of
. age, when the boys get breeches, and the girls aprons. But this
nuifance is probably at an end now, in the Imperial dominions,
both in Germany and Hungary, an order, to that purpofe, being
IlTued out by__ the great Jofeph, whole piercing eye, nothing
cfcapes.
Before I difmifs this fubjeft, I muft nionrion a laudable cuftom
among the Giplles, in order to ilivc their cloaths ; when they
have quarrelled, and mean to fight. Before they proceed ro
aclion, a truce takes place for a minute or two, to give the
combatants time to llrip to their fhirts, that their cloaths may not
fuffer
Chap. v. fuffer In the fray : then the ftorm breaks loofe, and each lays or
the other as hard as he can. (17) It has this ufe in it, that
whenever any body appears in a ragged coat, they may afErnv
on their honour, that it was not done in a; Gipfey brawl.
CHAPTER VI.
On their family aconomy.
Ti
HAT thefe people are ftill the unpoliflied creatures that
Tude nature formed them ; or at moft, have only advanced one
degree towards hurnanity, is evinced, among other circumftances,
by their family ceconomy.
Many of them are ftationary, having regular habitations, accords
ing to their fituation in life. To this clafs belong thofe who keep
public houfes in Spain, and others who follow fome regular
bufinei's in Tranfilvania and Hungary, which latter, have their
own miferable hyts near Hermanftadt, Cronftadt, Biftritz, Groff-
waradein, Debrezin, Eperies, Karchau, and other places. There
are alfo many flaves to particular Bojars, in Moldavia and Walla-
chia,, who do not wander from their place of refidence any more
than the others. But by far the greateft number of thefe people,
lead a very different kind of life : ignorant of the comforts
attending a fixed place to live at, they wander from one diftridl to
another in hords, having no habitations, but tents, holes in the
rocks, or caves; the former fliade them in fummer, the latter
fcreen them in winter. Many of thefe favage people, particularly
in
( ^3 )
5a Germany and Spain, (i) do not even carry tents with them. Chap. VT.
but fliekcr thcmfelves, from the heat of the fun, in forefts, fhaded
by the rocks, or behind hedges : they are very partial to wiUows,
under which they ered their fleeping place, at the clofe of the
evening. Some 4ive in their tents (in their language called
(tfchater) both fummer (2) and winter; which they generally prefer
to every thing elie. In Hungary, even thofe who have given up
their rambling way of life, and built houfes for themfelves, feldom
let a fpring pafs, without taking advantage of the firft fettled
weather, to fet up a tent for their fummer refidence ; under this
each one enjoys himfelf, with his family, nor thinks of his houfe,
till the winter returns, and the froft and fnow drive him back to
it again. (3)
\Mien he can get it, the wandering Gipfey, in Hungary and
Tranfilvania, has an horfe ; (4) in Turkey, an afs (5) ferves to
carry his v\'ife, a couple of children, with his tent. When he
arrives at any place he likes, near a village or city, he unpacks,
pitches his tent, ties his animal to a ftake to graze, and remains
lome weeks there : or if he does not find his ftation convenient,
he breaks up in a day or two, loads his beaft, and looks out for
lome more agreeable fituation, near fome other town. Indeed, he
h^s it not always in his power to determine how long he fliall
remain in the fame place; for the boors are apt to call upon him, on
accovmt of fowls and geefe, he has made free with. It fometimes
happens, when he is very much at his eafe, they flilly out with
bludgeons or hedge-flakes, making ufe of fuch forcible arguments,
that he does not hefitate a moment, to fet up his ftaff a little
further off. Though, in general, the Gipfies are cunning enough, •
when
C 24 )^
Qhap. VI. when they have purloined any thing, or done oth"&r mifchief,"
to make oft' in time, before the villagers begin to fufped
them. (6)
For their winter huts they dig holes in the ground, ten or twelve
feet deep, their roof is made of rafters laid acrofs, which are
covered with flraw and fods : the ftable, for the beaft which carried
the tent in fummer, is a fhed built at the entrance of the hollow,
and clofed up with dung and ftraw. (7) This flied, with a little -
opening, rifing above the roof, to let out the fmoak, are the only
marks by which a traveller can diflinguifli their dwellings. Both
in fummer and winter, they contrive to have their habitation in
the neighbourhood of fome village, or city. (8) Their favorite
method of building Is againft an hillock, the holes in the level'
ground being only ufed in cafes of necefiity, when there is no
riling ground near the fpot they have pitched upon to pafs the
winter at. An Hungarian writer thus defcribes their method of
conftrufting the fecond fort of huts. *' They dig an hollow,
" about a fathom broad, far enough into the hillock to bring
" their floor on a level with the reft of the plain, in order to
" form a firm upright wall, for the back of the building. Into
•' the wall they fix a beam, about fix feet from, and parallel to the
" floor, this beam reaches as far as the intended depth of the
" houfe, feldom exceeding feven or eight feet. One end being
" faft in the v.'all, the other refhs on, and is fixed to, a pillar
*' or poft driven into the grotind. When that is done, they lay
" boards, balks, or fiich other wood as they can find, againft it
" on each fide, in form of a pointed roof, which viewed from a
" diftance, exhibits a front in the fhape of an equilateral trianglq.
" The
*' Tile operalion is concluded by covering the whole "building Chap. VL
" with ftraw, fods, and earth, to fecure its inhabitants, from
■" the rain, fnow and cold. They always contrive, when they
" can, to place their edifice fo as to front either the rifmg or
" mid day fun ; this being the fide where the opening is left,
" for a door to go in and out at, which is clofed at night, either
" with a coarfe woollen cloth, or a few boards." (9)
One may eafily imagine, how difmal and horrid, the infide of fuch
Gipfey huts muft be. Air and daylight excluded, full of damp, ftink
and filth, ihey have more the appearance of wild beafts dens, than
•the habitations of intelligent beings. Rooms and feparate apart-
ments are not even thought of; all is one open fpace, in the
middle whereof is the fii-e, ferving both for the purpofe of cooking,
and warming them ; the father and mother lye half naked, the
children entirely fo, round it. Chairs, tables, beds or bedfteads,
find no place here, they frt, eat, ileep, and do eixry thing on th^,
Ijare ground, or at moft, (jjread an old blanket, or in the Banat,
a fheep fkin under them. When they have a fine day, the dooi"
is fet open for the fun to Ihine in. Which they continue watching,
fo long as it is above the horizon ; when the day clofes, they Ihut
their door, confign chemfelves over to reft, and ileep till the
its return. When the weather is cold, or tlte fnow prevents
their opening the door, they make up the fire, fit round it till
they fall alleep, without any more light than it affords. (10)
The furniture and property of the Gipfies have been already
defcribed ; they confift of an earthen pot, an iron pan, a fpoon, a
jug and a knife; when it i'o happens, that every thing is complear,
they fometimes add a difli : thefe ferve for the whole family.
E When
( 26 )■
Chap. VI. When the mafter of the hoiife is a Imith by trade, as will be
mentioned by and bye, he has a pair of bellows to blow up his
fire, a fmall ftone anvil, a pair of tongs, perhaps a couple of
hammers, add to thefe a few -old tatters, in which, as before
mentioned, he dreffes himfelf, his knapfack, fome pieces of torn
bed deaths, his tent, with his antiq\iated jade, and yovi have a
compleat catalogue of a nomadic Gipfey's eftate.
There is very little to be faid concerning the domeftic employ-
ment of the women, the care of their children is little, indeed
hardly any at all. They neither wafli, mend their cloaths, nor
cjean their utenfils, they feldom bake, the whole of their bufinefs
then, is reduced to thefe few articles : dreffing their food and
eating it, fmoaking tobacco, prating, aiul fleeping. They con-
tinue the whole winter in their hut, but at the firft croaking of
the frogs, they pull down their houfe and march off. (ii)
Such is the condition of the Giplies who wander about in
Hungary, Turkey, and other countries, being no where, or rather
every where, at home. The remainder of thefe people, who have
reconciled themfelves to a fettled way of life, are in much better
circumftances, and vaftly more rational, than thofe I have jufl
defcribed. It might be reafonably expefted, that thofe Spanifli
Giplies, who are innkeepers, and entertain ftrangers, ihould be
more civilifed, but it alfo holds good, with regard to thofe in
Hungary and Tranfilvania, who have different ways of gaining
a livelihood. Their habitations are conveniently divided into
chambers, are likewife furniflied with tables, benches, decent kitchen
furniture, and other necefTaries. The few who farm or breed cattle,
have a plough and other implements of hufbandry, the others in
a certain
c ^7 y
a certain degree what is ^vanted for carrying on their trade; though Chap. VI.
even here you arc not to expeft fuperfluity. Their habitations,
cloaths, as well as every thing elfe belonging to them, indicate, '
that even thefe belong to the clafs of poor. They are very fond
of gold and lilver plate, particularly filver cups, which is a difpo-
fition they have in common with the wandering Gipfies. They
let flip no opportunity of acquiring fomething of the kind, they
will even ftarve themfclves to procure them. Though they feem
little anxious to heap up riches for their children, yet thefe fre-
quently inherit a trcafure of this fort, and are obliged in their turn
to preferve it as a facred inheritance. The ordinary travelling
Gipfies, who are in pofledion of fuch a piece of plate, commonly
bury it under the hearth, of their dwelling, in order to prevent ■ '
its being made away with. (12) This inclination to deprive ones
felf of necelfaries, that wc may poffefs a fuperfluity, as well as
many other of their cuftoms, is curious : yet appears to be ancient.,
and it was probably inherent in them when they were firft feen bv
-Europeans. (13)
CHAPTER VIT.
Tbeir occupations and trades.
X come now to the means, the Gipfies make ufe of, to maintain
themfelves. Here we lb all difcover the reafon, why poverty and
want are, fo generally, their lot : it is owing to their lazinefs, and
being fo fond of their eafc. If you want to find people, who
earn their bread by the i\\cat of their brow, jow muft certainly
E 2 not
( 28- )
Ch^>p. VII. not feek them among the Gipfey tribe. They abhor all kinds op
work, which are either laborious or require application ; and had '
rather fuffer hunger and nakednefs, than exert themfelves to-
procure food and raiment, on fuch hard terms. They therefore-
. either chufe fome trade, which is eafily carried on, allowing them
many idle hours, or addid themfelves. to unlawful courfes, as anyi
body may eafily be convinced.
Black and white fmiths, are the moft ufual trades among the
Gipfies ; in Spain very few follow any regular bufmefs, but among ■
thefe few, fome are fmiths; (i) on the contrary, in Hungary
this> trade is fo common among them, that it is a proverb, fo-
many,Gipfies, fo many fmiths ; (2) the famei might be faid of thofe
in Tranfilvania, Wallachia, Moldavia, and all Turkey in Europe;,
at leaft fuch workers in fire are very numerous (3) in all thofe.
countries. This occupation feenis to have been a favorite one
among them from the moft diftant periods, as appears not only
by Bejlonius's (4) account, but by an older record, of an Hun-
garian king Uladiflaus, in the year 1496, mentioned by the Abbe.
Pray, in his Annals, and Friedwaldfky, in his Mineralogy,
wherein it is ordered, that every, officer and fubjeSl, of whatever rank
or condition, do allozv to Thomas Polgar, leader of tzventy five tents of
wandering Gipfies, free refidence every where, and on no account to
jnolefl either him or his people ; becaufe they had prepared mufket bullets,
and other military flores, for the Bifhop Sigifmund, at Fiinfkirchen. (5)
Another inftance occurred in the year 1565, v^hen Muftapha,
Turkifli regent of Bofnia, befieged Crupa, the Turks having
expended their powder and cannon balls, Gipfies were employed ;
to make balls, part of irpn, the refl of ftone cafed with lead.. (6)
The
( ^-9 )
The Gipfies of our time, do not like to undertake Heavy work, Chap. Vli/
I do not find the)' go beyond a pair of light horfe-flioes :
in general they confine themfelves to fmall articles, fuch as rings,
Jews-harps, fmall nails, mend old pots and kettles, make knives,
feals, needles, and fometimes work trifles in tin or brafs. (7)
Their materials, tools, apparatus, all are bad, and of the moft'
inferior kind. Their common way is, to colled; fmall pieces of
rufty iron, old nails, broken horfe (hoes, and fuch kind of rubbifh,
which they fufe and fhape to their purpofe. (8) The anvil is a
ftone, the other implements are, a pair of hand bell6ws, a pair of
pincers, a hammer, a vife, and a file : (9) thefe are the materials,
a nomadic Gipfey, carries with him, from place to place. (10)
AVhenever he has a mind to work, he is at no lofs for fliel ; on
his arrival at a ftation, where he means to remain a few days or
weeks, he takes his beaft, loads him with wood, builds a fmall '
Iciln,- and manufa(fb.ires his own coals. (11) In good weather,
the work is carried on out of doors ; when it is ftormy, or the
fun too powerful, he retires under his tent. He does not fland,
but fits down on the ground, crofs legged to his work; which
pofition is rendered neceffary, not only by cuftom, but the quality
of his tools. The- wife fits by to work the bellows, In which ■
operation, flie is fometimes relieved by the elder children ; (12)
the little ones fit naked as they were born, round the fire. They
are generally praifed, for their dexterity and quicknefs, notwith-
fbanding the wretched tools they have to operate (13) with.
When any piece of work requires much time to finifh, they are •
apt to lofe their patience, and, in that cafe, become indifferent :. -
vAether it be v,«ll executed or not. They never think of labour.
( 30 -)
Chap. yil. as long as they have got a dry cruft, o; any thuig elfe to iatisfy
their hunger. (14) They frequently have orders for different
articles, but if not, as foon as a few nails, or fome other trifles
are manufaftured, man, woman, and children diflodge,to carry their
merchandife, from houfe to houfe, for fale, in the neighbouring
villages : their traffick is carried on fometimes for ready money,
•tometimes by barter for eatables or other necefTaries. (15)
Another branch of commerce much followed by the Gipfies is
horfe dealing, (16) In thofe parts of Hungary where the climate
is lb mild, that horfcs may lie out all the year, the Gipfies avail
themfelves of this circumftance to breed, as well as deal in horfes :
by which they, fomethimes, not only procure a competency, but
grow rich. (17,) This laft fort are not very numerous, for the
greateft number of them only deal in blind worn out jades, which
they drive about to different markets, to fell or barter. When
not fortunate enough to find a chap for them, they lead them to
the collar maker, who values the hide, and takes him off" their (18)
hands for a few grofchens. In order to avoid being reduced to
this neceflity, they often praftice the flyeft tricks to conceal the
animal's defefts. In Spain therefore, Gitano and Gitaneria (Gipfey
and Gipfeyifm) are grown into common expreffions, to imply a
cheater in hotfes (19) with the tricks he makes ufe of. In the
year 1727, they became fo notorious in Sweden, that it was taken
into confideration at the diet, and their total expulfion voted to be
a neceffary (20) meafure. The following trick is frequently played
in Hungary, and the adjacent country, to make an horfe appear brifk
and aftive. The rider alights, at a fmall diftance from the place where
he means to offer his horfe for fale, and belabors the poor bcaft,
till
( 31 >
till he has put the whole mufcular fj'ftem th motion with fright, Chap. VIL
he then mounts again and proceeds. The poor beaft, recollefting
the blows he has received, jumps about, or fets out full fpeed, at
the leaft fignal ; the buyer, entirely ignorant of the preparatory
difcipline he has undergone, looks upon this as natural vivacity,
and in hopes that good feeding with care, will render him ftill
more lively, ftrikes a bargain ; but the next day he has the morti-
fication to difcover, that he has bought a jade, on which all his
care will be thrown away, as the beaft has not a leg to ftand (21)
upon. In Swabia and on the Rhine, they have another device ;
they make an incilion in fome fecret part of the fkin, through
which they blow the creature up, till he looks fleihy and plump,
they then apply a ftrong flicking plaifter, to prevent the air from
coming out again. If what Wolfgang Franz aflures us, be true,
they fometimes make ufe of another device with a live eel, to this
blown up horfe, that he may not only appear in good condition,
but fpirited and lively. (22) One would imagine, that on accouitt
of thele, and fuch like pieces of roguery, nobody wovild ever
venture to deal with a Gipfey for an horfe, was not the poffibility . .
of it proved by the faft itfelf. But we fee inftances of this infa-
tuation in other tranfaclions : it is well known that every Jew will
cheat, whenever he has an opportunity, yet thefe people have lived
by trade, ever fince their difperfion from Babel. Then thefe
frauds do not conftantly happen, the Gipfies too always fell their
horfes cheap, and poor people cannot afford to pay dear for them,
which is the reafon that the Gipfies can continue their traffick
in horfes. .
. Ta:.,
( 3" )
Chap. VII To the above two trades, commonly followed by the men,
may be added, that fome are carpenters or turners ; the
former make waterin^g troughs and chefts, the latter turn
trenchers, difhes, make fpoons and other houfehold furniture,
which they hawk about. Others make fieves, or maintain them-
felves by cobling fhoes. Many of thefe, as well as the blackfmiths
and whitefmiths, find conftant employment in the houfes-of the
better fort of people, for whom they work the year round. They
are not paid in money ; but, befides other advantages, find a
certain fubfiftence. Thofe who are not thus provided for, do not
wait at home, for cuftomers, but throw their implements in
a fack, over their fhoulders, feeking bufmefs in the cities or
villages : When any one calls, they throw down the bundle,
and prepare the apparatus for work, before the door of their
employer. (23.)
The Gipfies have a fixed averfion to agriculture, and had rather
fuffer hunger or want, than follow the plough, to earn a decent
livelyhood, from the grateful earth. (24) But as there is no
general rule without an exception, fo, befides the flaves to the
Bojars, in Moldavia and Wallachia, who are conftrained to apply
to it, (25) there are fome in Hungary, who do it of their own
accord. Since the year 1768, the Emprefs Therefa, has com-
manded, that the Hungarian and Tranfilvanian Gipfies fliould be
inftrufted in hufbandry, but thefe orders have been very little
attended to. At this time there are fo few of them farmers, in this
country, that they are not worth mentioning, (26) though in
Spain, (27) and other European countries, they are ftill more
fcarce.
( 33 )
fnsrce, as it would be difficult to find one who had ever made a Chap. VII.
furrow in his life.
It was formerly very common in Hungary, and in Tranlilvania,
almoft univerfally the cufhom, to employ the Gipfies for hangmen
and executioners. They ftill perform tljc bulinefs of flayers in
Hungary, and of executioners in different parts of (28) Tranlil-
vania. Their afliduity in torturing, their cruel invention in tor-
menting, are defcribed by Toppeltin to be fo fliocking, as plainly
proves no people fo well calculated for works of barbarity as the
Gipfies. (29) Flaying is not their regular profeffion in any place,
but merely a cafual occupation, which they follow, over and above
their fmiths or other work. Whenever a beafl dies, near where
they chance to be, it is a fortunate circumflance, if there happens
to be no fkinner in the place ; not becaufe they can make much
of the {km, which they always leave with the owner for a trifling
conlidcration, but they are fure thereby to procure a plentiful
provifion of flefli for the family. (30)
Such are the mens employments. I Ihall now proceed to the
women, and fliew their particular methods of getting their bread.
It was formerly, and ftill is the cuftom, among the wandering
Gipfies, efpecially in winter, that the man does not maintain the
wife, but the wife the hufliand. (3 1 ) Where this is not quite the
cafe, as in iurrHner, when the men have the before recited occupa-
tions, or among thofe, who have a regular fettlement, yet the
women always endeavour to contribute their (hare towards the
maintenance of the family : fome deal in old cloaths, others fre-
quent brothels, or let their perlbns out, in fome other way, for
h^re. This is common in Spain, (32) ftill more lb in Conftan-
F tinople.
c 34 y
(^hap. VII. tinopie, (33) and all over Turkey: (34) probably becaufe, in
other places, nobody likes to be connefted with fuch uncleanly
beings. There are others in Conftantinople, who make and fell
brooms, and this trade is followed by thofe, chiefly, who are
too old to get a livelihood by their debauchery. Dancing is
another means they have of getting fomething, they generally
pradlice this when, begging, particularly from men in the ftreets,
or calling in at houfes afking charity. Their dances are the moft
difgufting that can be conceived, always ending with fulfome
grimaces, or the moft lafcivious attitudes and geftures, uncovering
thofe parts, which the rudeft and moft uncultivated people carefully
conceal ; nor is this indecency confined to the married women
only, but is rather more praftifed by yovmg girls, travelling with
their fathers, who are alfo muficians, and for a trifling acknow-
ledgement, exhibit their dexterity to any body, who is pleafed
with thefe unfeemly dances. They are trained up to this impu-
dence, from their earlieft years, never fuffering a paffenger to pafs
their parents hut, without trying to get fomething, by frilking
about naked before him. (35)
I fhall not fay any thing concerning fortunetelling, with which
they impofe on people's credulity, in every diftrift and corner
of Europe ; this being a thing univerfally known. Yet it is
extraordinary, that women, generally too not till they become old
hags, fhould be fo fliarpfighted, as to difcover, in every perfon's
hand, the dark myflery of futurity. A few inftances there are of
men being thus gifted, but they are fo few, that they^re only
exceptions to a general rule. It is therefore owing to the Gipfey
women alone, that faith in divination ftill remains, in the minds .
of
( 35 )
•of millions of people. It; is true, Europe is not originally beholden Chap. VIL
to the Gipfies for it, it being deep rooted in the iliipidity of the
middle age, (36) when they arrived and brought it with them alfo.
This fcience was already brought to a greater degree of perfedtion
than among them, rules were invented to tell lies from the
infpeclion of the hand, whereas thefe poor wretches were efteemed
mere bunglers. During the lad, and beginning of this century
they were looked upon as only a fupernumerary party ; as there
were men of great learning, who not only read leftures in college,
on the divine art of chiromancy, but wrote many books, vilifying;
the Gipfies, and endeavouring to fpoil their market (3 7) by expoling
their ignorance. But thefe enlightened men are no more, their
knowledge is depofited in the dead archives of literature; and
probably, if there were no Gipfies, with them would alfo have
died the belief in chiromancy, in the fame manner as, in aftrology,
necromanc}', oneirocritica, and the other offsprings of fancy.
By thefe alone, will this deceit be kept alive, till every Gipfey is '
conftrained to acknowledge fome country, and to have fome
oftenfible mode of gaining a livelihood. We can only pity the
poor deluded -wTetches, who pay their grofchen or kreutzer,
for a few unmeaning words ; as if it were pofTible, for people to
inftrucl us, concerning our future fortune in life, v,ho are ignorant
■of their own ; being unable to determine whether a day or two
hence, they may ftill be telling fortunes, or taken up by the magif-
^:rates, and hanged for theft.
I muft add to the chiromantic deception of the Gipfey women,
that they alfo, but not exclufive of the men, cure bewitched cattle,
difcover thefts, and poflefs noftrums of various kinds, to which
F 2 they
( 3^ )
Chap. VI^. they afcribe great virtues. Thek noftrums confift prhicipally of
roots, and amulets made of unfermented dough, marked with
ftrange figures, and dried in the air. Grifelini fays that, in the
Biinat of Temefwar, they fell certain fmall ftones, chiefly a kind
of fcoriiE, which they fay poflefs the quality, to render the wearer
fortunate in love, play, (38) and other things. Were that true,
they are the neareft, why deliver to another, what they have fq
much occafion for themfelves ? Why do they beg and fteal,
when,, with the afliflance of thefe ftones, they might honorably
acquire riches, and good fortune ? Yet thefe ftones are purchafed
not only in the Banat, but in Germany. People ufe their quack
medicines, call the Gipfey woman into the ftable, to exorcife their
bewitched cattle, without fufpefting any trick, although the whole
is founded on deceit. So the open-hearfed farmer, in Suabia and
Bavaria, has recourfe to the Gipfies on many occafions, making ufe.
of them as doctors, for man and beaft : and conftantly in cafes of
enchantment, flies to the Gipfey ; this circumftance happens
ofteneft among thofe of the common people, who rail moft againft,
witches and witchcraft. Whenever a cow does not feed kindly,,
fomething is immediately fufpefted, and the Gipfey woman is
called, who is often fo fuccefsful as to remove the complaint.
She goes into the flable, orders the cow to be ftiewii to her,
remains a few minutes alone with it, after every one. olfe is gone out ;
having tinilhed her operations, fhe calls in the mafter, acquaints
him with the beaft's recovery, and behold it eats heartily. How,
happens this ? Was it not a piece of enchantment, v/herein the
Gipfey really afted the magician ? Certainly not. The fraud is.
this. When the cattle are feeding abroad, the Gipfey woman.,
takes
( 37 )
takes advantage of the keeper's abfencc to entice fome of them. Chap, VII.
with a handful of fodder to follow her, than fmears them, over
tJie nofc and mouth, with fome naftinefs, flie has ready in the other s
liand. From that moment the creature loaths all kinds of food or
drink, as every thing fmells of the naftinefs. V/hen Ilie is called
in to apply a remedy, the whole Ikill required, is to wipe oft" the
fluff, (lie had put on, a day or two before : by this means the
true fmell is reftored, and the cow being hungry, it is no wonder
ihe fliouki fall to greedily. From this fmgle inftance, a judgemenc.
may be formed of other cafes.
The common Gipfey occupations, wherein men, and women
take an equal fhare, are, in Spain, keeping inns; (39) princi--
pally mulic in Hungary and (40) Turkey ; and gold-wafhing in
Tranfilvania, the Banat, Moldavia and Wallachia. They ufed,
formerly, to be concerned in (41) fmuggling, and probably ftill
are, although it is not mentioned by any later writers.
Both men and women Gipfies, attend at entertainments, with
their mufic, and fliew great proficiency in the art; befides fome
wind inftrument, they have generally a violin : many have attained
to.fo great a perfection on that inftrument, as to be employed in
the chapels of the nobility, and admired as great matters. Barna
Mihah', was an Orpheus of thb kind, in the country of Zips,
who diftingulflied himfelf, about the middle of the prefent century,
in the chapel of the Cardinal, Count Einerick von Cfchaky, The
Cardinal, who was a judge of mufic himfelf, had fo great a value
for him, that he rendered his likenefs immortal, (42) by one of
the moft capital painters. Such inftances are not wanting in the
other fex; it is well known that a Gipfey girl^ was fo famous, as..
a fidler>
'Kl^l
( 38 )
■Chap. VII- -a iidler, at fourteen years of age, that the richefl and moft faniion-
able people in Hungary, ufed to fend twenty or thirty miles, for
her, to play at their balls. There are likewife many fcrapers, to
whom Zeiller's words are applicable, " that their mufic has a
" difmal found." (43) But thefe are generally fuch as have
learned of other fcrapers, at their own expence. This kind travel
aboiit, with the daiicers abovcmentioned, or play to the peafants,
who, not having much tafte, always make them welcome at their
weddings, or dances. They fcratch away on an old patched
violin, or rumble on a broken bafs, neither caring about better
inftruments, nor minding to ftop in tune, being what they are,
more for want of application, than capacity. (44) Others praftife
vocal mufic, (45) and make their fortunes, particularly in Spain,
"by finging. (46)
, Goldwalhing, in the rivers, is another occupation, by whicli
many thoufand Gipfies, of both fexes, procure a livelihood, in
the Banat, Tranfilvania, Wallachia and Moldavia. As this is
■only a fummer employment, they are under the neceffity of finding
fome other method of maintaining themfelves, during the winter.
It is not permitted for every one without exception, to be a gold-
walher : in Tranfilvania, fuch only can do it, who have leave from
the office of Mons ; and thefe only enjoy the privilege under
•certain reftriftions. (47) It is the fame in Wallachia and Mol-
davia, where none of the Bojar's flaves, thence called Bojarefk
(Bojar Gipfies) are allowed to meddle with goldwafliing, that
being a liberty granted, only to thofe who, like other fubjefts,
are immediately vmder the prince, thence called Domnefk (princely
Gipfies) which are alfo fubdivided into three claflcs; the firft
named
C 39 )
<
named Radar; the fecond Urfir;. and the iKird Lajafchen, The Chap. VII.
Rudars alone have the licence abovementioned ; the two laft are
obliged to get their livelihood (48) in fome other way. Each
perfon is forced to pay a certain tribute to government. The
goldwafhers in Tranfilvania and the Banat, pay four guilders
annually, which is difcharged in gold duft : the fame fum is due
from every Gipfey, though many evade it. Thev contrive to
keep out of the way, when the time for payment comes on, parti-
cularly the Hungarian Gipfies. (49) The tribute in Wallachia
and Moldavia, does not go into the public treafury, but belongs to ■
the Princeffes for pin money. In Cantemir's time, thofe in Moldavia,
produced yearly one thoufand fix hundred drams; ( 5o)and the Confort
of the Wallachian Hofpodar, Stephen Rakowitza, in the year 1764
received from her Rudars, two hundred and forty in number,
twelve hundred and fifty four drams, a fum, according to General
von Bauer and Sulzer, amounting to one thoufand and three drams,
fine gold. What the Gipfies, in Wallachia and Moldavia, get
over and above their head money, goes to the grand Aimafch, at
two lion gilders the dram ; this he afterwards fells again, at a
higher price, according to its real (51) value; as General von
Bauer believes, for his own profit, not for that of the -prince.
The goldwafhers in the Banat and Tranfilvania, difpofe of theirs
at the royal redemption office, (52) in Zalatnya. The earnings
of thefe people is various, according to time and place : during
heavy rains and floods are the moft favorable feafons ; befides that
their profit is more or Icfs, according to the quality of the river-
they wafh in ; at the moft profitable times, viz. at the floods,
Grifelini (53; calctilates. their daily gain to be about three gro~
fchens
( 40 )
Oiftp. VIl. fchens at the highfft. If we underftand, as we ought to do, that
this is not earned by each perfon, but by a whole family, it will
agree, pretty nearly, with Mr. Dembfcher (54) account : he fays,
" In the year 1770, there were in the diftriifls of Uj-Palanka,
" Orfova, and Caranfebes, upwards of eighty goldwafhers, all
"of whom Itad families, and followed the bufinefs, with their
" wives and children, yet this number of hands, delivered in only
" fix or feven hundred ducats worth of gold." Take half of the
doubtful feventh hundred, deduft three hundred and twenty guilders
head money, from the grofs fum, divide the remainder among
eighty families, and -each will receive yearly thirty two guilders,
allot to each day, in the fummer half year. Its proportion, it will be
very little more or kfs than three grofchens. As I mentioned above,
the labor of two hundred and forty Rudars, produced, in the
year 1764, twelve hundred fifty four drams; General von Bauer
adds, this fum was exaftly the half of what was collefted, over
the whole country, in the fame year. (55) Now as thefc GIpfies
were under the neceffity of parting with their twelve or thirteen
hundred drams, which remained after the capitation tax was
paid, to the grand Armafch, at the rate of two lion guilders per
dram ; they earned ftill lefs than thofe in the Banat : although the
rivers in Wallachia contain fufficient plenty of gold, to make
ten times that advantage, but their lazinefs prevents them. The
Tranfilvanian rivers yield the moft : there are annually, from
eight to ten hundred weight of gold feparated from their fand,
which are brought to Zalatnya, (56) to be difpofed of. As this
qviantity is not produced by Gipfies only, but by the Wallachians
alfo, and we have no account of the grofs number of goldwafliers,
how
( 41 )
^iow many of them are Gipfies, nor what proportion they have, of Chap. VIT.
ihefe eight hundred weight; it is impoflible to afcertainthe profits
of the Tranfilvanian Gipfey goltiwadiers. That they are better
off, than thofc in the Banat and other places, is certain, from the
circumftance, of the rivers abounding more with gold, than
tlfewhere.
I Ihall now give the procefs of goldwafiilng, in the words
of thofc, who, as mineralogifts, have fuperintended the work.
The account communicated by the Councellor von Kotzian,
Concerning the goldwafhing in the Banat, (57) is as follows,
" The operation confiRs, in firft providing a board of lime
" wood, about one fathom long, and half a fathom broad,
" being hollowed at the upper end, in the form of a dllh,
" from which are cut ten or twelve channels, in an oblique
" direclioh. This board is fixed up, fo as to forin an angle of
" forty five degrees ^vith the horizon; the fand, containing the
" gold, being laid in the upper hollow, a quantity of water is
" then poured upon it, which carries the lighter parts over the
" board; fuch as as are more heavy they fliove down hy hand ;
" what^remains in the channels or furjows, is difcharged into ah
"oblong tray, carried to the ftraining trough, and the gold,
" which remains, picked clean out. The whole of this work is
'* performed in fo carelefs a manner, that rnuch pure gold is loft,
" it is moreover to be lamented, that the Giplies get only the
'' gold, which is perfeftly feparated from the fand, bv:t by no
'■• means any that fticks to the ore, which they throw away, though
*' there is gold in it."
G As
^.
4^ )
Ghap. VII, As it feems to be evident, that this method is not at ait a
provident one, confequently that much gold muft be wafted : we
are the more furprized, when another author, _ in the following
words, affures us of the contrary. (58) " As negligent and
" carelefs as the work of the Gipfies appears at firft fight, juft
"•' as effeftual it tuins out, when put to the teft. Daily pradice
" gives thefe people a degree of difcernment, without which,
" another perfon would think they muft lofe a great deal : I
" convinced myfelf in the following manner. When they had
" finiftied their wafhing on the board, for which they commoqly
"' ufed from fifteen to twenty troughs of coarfe ftuff. I divided
•'' the waflied ftuff into thres parcels, the ten or fifteen uppermoft
" furrows, always contained the moft gold, the fecond divifion
"' not more than an eighth part as much, but the laft fifteen to
" twenty furrows', fcarcely three grains. I have alfo narrowly
" examined the refufe, and very feldom found any traces of gold
*' in it."
The art of goldwafning is brought to much greater perfeftion in
Tranfilvania. In the (59)defcription of it in thofe parts, it is faid,
that all the rivers, brooks, and even the pools which the rain
forms, in Tranfilvania, produce gold ; among thefe the Aranyofch
is the richeft, infomuch, that hiftorians in thofe countries, compare
it to the Tagus and Paftolus. Befides the Wallachians, who live
by the rivers, the goldwaftiers confift chiefly of Gipfies. They
know, with the greateft exaftnefs, where they can wafh to advan-
tage. Their apparatus for this work, is a crooked board, four
or five feet long, by two or three broad, generally provided with
a wooden rim on each fide ; over this they fpread woollen cloths,
an.d
•( 43 )
and fliake the gold fand mixed with water, upon it; the fmall Chap. Vlf.
grains remain flicking to the doth, they wafli thefe cloths in a
veflel of water, then feparate the gold by means of the trough.
When they find larger particles of (and, in their wafliing, they
have deeper channels made in the middle of their crooked boards,
which flop the fmall pieces as they roll down : they examine
thefe fmall flones afterwards, and pick fome out, which are fre-
quently found to have folid gold fixed in them.
Thefe are the cuflomary tranfaftinns, and occupations of Giplies,
in the different countries, and ftates of Europe. People mufl
not imagine, that their fmiths fliops are continually refounding
with the hammer, or that thofe of other p'rofeflions, are fo atten-
tive to their callings, as to provide even a daily fubfiflence ; not
to think of a comfortable maintenance. Their lazinefs, on the
contrary, makes lb many idle hours in the day, that their family
is often reduced to the greatefl diflrefs ; for which reafon, begging
or flealing, are by far more common methods, (60) than dili-
gence and affiduous application to bufinefs, for quieting their
hunger. If you except foldiers, who are kept in order by thfe
'difcipline of the corporal, with fome of the Tranfilvanian gold-
wafliers, who apply to mufic, and living feparate from their own
caft, in conflant habits of intercourf* with people of a better fort,
have thereby acquired more civilized manners, and learned the
■diflinclion, if not between right and wrong, at leaft between fecial
'honor (61) and difgrace, the remainder arc in the moft unlimited
fenfe, arrant thieves. (62) They fcem only to make a pretence of
working, in order the better to carry on their thieving, as the
articles which they prepare for fale, in the cities knd villages,
G 2 furniili
c 44 y
Chap. VII. fprnifli an excellent blind, for fneaking into houfes, to pry wher%
there is any thing which they may appropriate to themfelves^
This kind of artifice is particularly the province of the women,
who have always bsen reckoned more (63) dextrous than the men,
in the art of ftealing. They commonly take children with them,
which are tutored, to remain behind, in the outer part of the
houfe, to purloin what they can, while the mother is negociating
(64) in the chamber. It is generally the women's office, to make,
away with the boor's geefe and fowls, when they are to be found hi a
convenient place. If the creature makes a noife when feized, it !%
killed and drclfed for the canfuraption of the family, but if, by.
chance, it fhould have ftrayed fo far, from the village, that its,
crying cannot give any alarm, they keep it alive, to fell at the
next market town. Winter is the time when the wopien generally.
are moft called upon to try their fkill in this way : during that
leafon, many of the men. remaiain their hvits, fending the womea
abroad to forage. They go about under the difguife of beggars,
in a very fcientific manner, and commonly carry with them a
couple of children, miferably expofed to the cold and.froft; one
of thefe is led in the hand, the other tied in a cloth to the
woman's back, in order to ex.cite compaffion, in well difpofed
people. They alfo tell fortunes, and impofe on the credulous with
amulets. Befides all this, they feldom return to their hufbands (65)
without fome pilfered booty. Many writers confine the thefts of
the Gipfies to fmall matters, and will not allow that they are ever:
guilty of violence. (66) This is not only denied by the teftimony,
(67) of others, but abfolutely contradiifled by fome recent in-
ftancea, It is true that, on account of their natural timidity, they^
do
( 45 ).
do nor like to commit a robbery, which appears to be attended Chap. VH..
with great danger, nor often break open hoiifes by night, as other
thieves do : they rather content thcinfelves with fmall matters,
than, as tlicy think, deftroy (68) themfelves at once by a great,
and dangerous adlion. Yet we have more than one (69) proof,,
that they make no fcruple to murder a traveller, or plunder
cities and villages.
CHAPTER Vlir.
On their marriages and education.
X. HERE is not, perhaps, any other people, among whorrc
marriages are contracted with fo little confideration, or folemnized
with fo little ceremony, as among the Gipfies. As foon as a boy
has attained the age of fourteen or fifteen years, he begins to per-
ceive, that fomething more than mere eating and drinking, is
neceflary to him. Having no fear of confequences, nor being-
under any reftraint from his parents, he forms a ( i ) conneiflion,
with the girl he moft fancies, of twelve, or at moft thirteen years
old, without any fcruple of confcience, (2) whether fhe be his
neareft relation, or an entire flranger. God's commandments are
unknown to him, and human laws cannot have much influence,
over one who lives in a defart, remote from the obfervation of
ajiy ruling power. The term of courclhip is very (hort, often
only long enough for the parties to communicate their mutual
incjiination. They do not wait for any marriage ceremony, as
it.
( 46 )
Chap. ~V11I, it is a matter of no confequence to them, whether it be performed
afterwards, or not at all. Yet they do not feem to be entirely
indifferent about matrimony, not on account of conforming to any
inftitution, but a pride they have in imitating what is done by
other people, left they Ihould appear to be inferior to them :
As the very early age of the parties, or fome other irregularity,
might meet with objeftions from a regular clergyman, they fre-
quently get one of their own people to aCl the prieft, and tack the
decent couple together. (3) A marriage being thus accomplilhed,
the man provides a ftone for an anvil, a pair of pincers, a file,
and hammers away as a fmith, or works at fome other trade, he
may have juft learned from his father, then begins his perigrination.
Should his wife commit a fault at any future time, he gives her
half a dozen boxes on the car, or very likely, for fome trifling
caufe, turns her off entirely. (4) Her conduft muff, in general
be very much regulated by his will, and flie is obliged to be more
attentive to him than to herfelf. It is always to be remembered, that
a Gipfey never marries a perfon who is not of the true Gipfey (5)
breed. When the woman lyes in, which happens frequently, thefe
people being remarkably fruitful, (6) the child is brought forth,
either in their miferable hut, or, according to circumftances, it
may be in the open air, but always eafily and fortunately, a woman
of the fame kind performs the office of midwife. True Gipfey
like, for want of fome veffel, they dig a hole in the ground, which
is filled with cold water, and the new born child waflied in it.
This being done, it is wrapped up in fome old rags, which
the motherly forefight has taken care to provide. Next comes
:.the chriftening, at which ceremony they prefer ftrangers, for
witneffes.
( 47 )'-
witnefTes, rather than their own caft : but what kind of folks they Chap. VIII,.
are, may be coUeded from the mode of entertaining them. When
the chriftening is over, the father takes the fponfers to an (7) ale-
houfe, or if none be near, to fome other houfe, where he treats
them with cakes and brandy. If he is a little above the loweft
ftate of mifery, and has a mind to be generous, other things are
provided ; but he does not join the company, being taken up with
ferving his guefls. Thus the affair ends. The lying in woman,
paffes her Ihort time of confinement, feldom exceeding eight days,
with her child, in the hut, or under a tent, in the.fmoak by the .
fire. Refrelhments are fometimes fent from the godfathers and
godmothers, yet they are often fo uncivil, that they do not hefitate
to quarrel with, or even to difcharge them (8) from the trufl:,
if they think the prefent they make too fmall, or they do not
lilffe the provilions fent to them. When this happens, they
have another chriftening, in fome other place, nay fometimes even
a third. (9)
Some of the Gipfey women, as already mentioned, are accuf-
tomed to fmear their children over with a particular kind of .
dintment, then lay thejn in the fun, or before the fire, in order
that the Ikin may be more compleatly parched, and their black
beauty thereby increafed. They do not ufe a cradle, nor even
poffefs fuch a piece of furniture ; the child fleeps, either in its
mother's arms, or on the ground. When the lying in is over, the
Gipfey woman goes to church, and immediately from, thence, either
to begging or ftealing. While the child remains in her arms, flie
perhaps imagines that people will be more merciful in their chaf-
tifements, is more rapacious than at other times, and takes, whatever
fhs..
-,'i*.
( 4S )
Cnap. VIII. fliC Tan lay her hands on. If flie cannot efcapc without a beat-
ing, flie fcreens herfelf by holding up the child to receive the
blows, till (he has an opportunity of retiring imperceptibly, and
running away.
As the child gets a little ftronger, and attains the age of three
or four months, the mother feldom carries it any longer on the
arm, but at her back, where it fits, winter and fummer, in a
. linen rag, with its head over the flioulder, of the perfon who
carries it. If (lie gets more children, in a courfe of time, which
flie feldom fails to do, ss this race of beings is fo prolllick, flie
leads one or two by the haiid, while fuch as are older run by her
fide, and thus attended, Ihe ftroUs through the villages and into
houfes. Notwithftanding their dark complexion, and bad nurfing,
writers are unanimous in their teftimony, that thefe chudren
are good looking, well fliaped, lively, clever, and have fine (lo)
eyes. The mother plaits their black hair on the crown of the
head, partly to keep it out of their face, and partly for ornament.
TJiis is all flie ever does towards drefling her child out, for in
fummer they wear no cloaths till ten years of age, and in winter
they are forced to be content with a few old rags hung about
them.
As foon as the boy or girl cati go about, it is taught to dance,
which confifts in jumping about on one foot, and conflantly ftrik-
ing themfelves behind with the other. As the children grow up,
this dance is increafed, with all forts of poftures, by which they
ftrive to divert, and get fomething from, every body, that
pafles their parent's habitation. What they are farther taught,
.efpecially by their mothers, is the art of dealing, which they
often
( 49 )
often put in praclice, as defcribed above. Inftruclion or fchool Chap. VIIL
are never thought of, nor do they learn any bufinefs, except
perhaps blowing the fire, when the father forges, or to aiTift
in goldwafhino;.
In the twelfth or thirteenth year, a boy acquires fome knowledge
of his father's trade, and then becomes emancipated from parental
authority ; as at this time he gets into hin head, the idea of
forming (ii) his own feparate connexions. What is common
to uncivilized people, holds good with the Giplies, I mean
'unbounded love for their children ; this is the fource of the moft '
unpardonable negleft. Gipfey children never feel the rod, they
fly out into the moft violent paffions, at the fame time hear nothing
■from their parents but flattery and (12) coaxing. In return,
they acl, as is commonly the conlequence of fuch education,
with the greateft (13) ingratitude. This exceffive fondnefs for
their children, is attended with one advantage, that when
they are indebted to any body, which frequently happens,
in Hungary and Tranfilvania ; the creditor feizes a child, and by
that means gets his demJtnd fatisfied ; as the Gipfey immediately
exerts every method to difcharge the debt, and procure the releafe
of his (14) darling offspring.
Such is the pifture of Gipfey marriages, and education, te
Which th6ve are but- few exceptions ;- and thofe oniy of a frnall pro-
portion of them who have fixed habitations. The charader of
people being formed by their education ; how can it be wondered
at, that Gipfies fliould be, idlers, thieves, mm'derers, and incen-
•diaries. Is k probable, that man fliould become diligent, v.ho has
l)een educated in kzinefs ? Can it be expe&ed tkov fliould leave
1 1 every
( 5° )
Ghap. VIII. every one in pofleflion of their own property, when father and,
mother have taught them to fteal, from their earlieft infancy ?
Who can have a general idea of fair dealing, that, knows not
right from wrong, nor has ever learned the diftindion between
good and evil, virtue and vice ?• Punifhments infiifted on others,
for their crimes, have no effeft upon one, who is not fufficiently.
attentive, to take warning by the examples of ftrangers ; and when
his own experience teaches him, that he.isjiot to lay hands on the
property of others, the milder punifliments leave no lafling (15)
impreffion ; the more fevere ones, which reach the life, cannot
have the efte<fl, it being impoffible for a thief to grow better, after
he has bocn hanged. So long therefore as their education conti-
nues to be what it is, we cannot hope, that they fliould leav.e ci«
to be thieves and. murderers.
CHAPTER IX.
On their fuknefs, death, and burial.
iVluCH has been faid, above, concerning the conftant good
health of thefe people, and it is fadl^ that they do enjoy it more
uninterruptedly, and perfeftly, than the moft regular people, who
pay the greateft attention to themfelves. They get no cold noi;
defluxions, from the inclemency of the air. They are not liable
to rafhes, even poifon, or epidemical diforders, have no effeft on,
them. Any prevailing ficknefs penetrates fooner into ten habita-
tlQjis of civilized people, than it. find its way under a Gipfey'5
tent.
( 51 )
tent, or into his hut. They arc equally liable to the fmall-pox Chap. TX.
and meafles, with other people, though with infinitely lefs danger
of being carried off by them, and they are fubjeft to a diforder in »■
the eyes, occafioned by the continual finoak and fleam in their
huts, during the winter f'eafon ; in other refpefts, the Gipfies
experience no inconveniences till the time comes, that nature
demands her own back again, and entirely deflroys the machine.
Though this be not always at a great old age, it is generally at
a pretty advanced one ; it being very uncommon for a Gipfey to
die, early in life, or in his childhood. Their love of life is
beyond, defcription, yet they hardly ever take the advice of a
phyfician, or ufe medicines ; even ift'the riiofl dangerous maladies.
They generally leave every thing to nature or good fortune : if
they do rt/7)- thing, it is, to mix a little faifron in 'their foup, or
bleed and fcarify themfelves ; having obferved that their horfes
ufe bleeding, as a remedy for diforders. When the ficknefs indi-
cates that he is likely to be very bad, and the univerfal enemy to
life is rellly In earnefl, he breaks out into fighs and lamentations,
on account of his departure ; till at lafl he gives up the ghoft, in
his ufual place of relidence, under a tree, or in his tent.
As the preparations for death a:re, generally, regulated according
to a perfon's notions of religion, fo a Gipfey, who neither knows
nor believes any thing, concerning the immortality of the foul, or
of rewards and punilliments, beyond this life, for the moft part
dies like a beaft, who is ignorant of himfelf and his Creator, as
well as utterly incapable of forming any opinion about an higher
defli nation.
Ill The
( 5^ )
Chi'.p, IX. The inftant the perfon Is deceafed, begins the crying, lamentuig,
and tearing the hair, of a woman for her hufband, or children for
their parent. Parents, in particular, who have loft their children,
appear inconfolable. Little can be faid of their burials, only,
that on this occafion the cries and bewailings are redoubled,
and become very violent. When the leader of an hord dies,
things are condufled more quietly. His own people carry him,
with great refpeft, to the grave, where each one appears earneft
and attentive ; although, at the fame time eipployed in a manner
to excite laughter.
This is the manner of proceeding when a Gipfey dies a natural
death. It often happens that he lofes his life by violent means,
not by his own hands, for felf murder or deftroylng their offspring,
are equally unheard of among them. No Gipfey ever puts a
period to his own exiftence on account of vexation, anxiety or
defpair, he is much too fond of it, behdes, that care or defpair
are unknown to him.
Even in the grcateft diilrefs, he is never troubled with low fpirits;
ever merry and blythe, he dies not till he cannot help it : this
often happens on the gallows, attended with fccnes, ridiculous as
the moft ludicrous imagination could invent. One man requefted,
as a particular aft of grace, that he might not be hanged with his
face towards the high road, faying, " many of his acquaintance
" paffed that way, and he fliould be very much afliamed, to be
*' feen by them, hanging on a gallows." Another time the rela-
tions of one who was leading to execution, perceiving by the
difcourfe and geftures of the criminal, how unwillingly he advanced,
flot having the lalft inclination tojjc hanged; addreffed themfelves
to
( 53 )
to tile magiflratcs and officers of juftice, with the following wife Chan, IX.
remonftrance. " Gentlemen, pray do not compel a man, to
" a thing for which you fee he has no defirc nor inclination."
Such laughable fcenes happen, at almoft every Gipfcy execution,
which arc proofs of the inconfiderate way of thinking of thefe-
people. ( I )
CHAPTER X.
Political regulations, peculiar to- the Gipjies. .
VV HEN the Gipfies firft arrived in Europe, they had different
le&ders and chiefs, to conduft the various tribes in which they
came* This was necelfary, in order to facilitate their progrefs,.
through different countries, and quarters of the globe ; or in cafe
it fliould be requifite, to unite their force, and thereby make a
more formidable refiftance, when oppofed ; likewife to carry any
plan, they might have formed, 'more readily into execution. In con-
fequence of this, in the old books, v.e find mention made of
Knights, Counts, Dukes and Kings. Not only Krantz (i)
and MuNSTER, (2) mention Counts and Knights, in general,
terms, among the Gipfies ; other people give us the very names
of thefe dignified men; Crvsius (3) cites a Duke Michael;
MuRATORi a Duke Andreas; (4) and Aventinus records
a King Zindelo : (5) not to talk of ini'criptions on monuments,
erefted in different places, to the memories of Duke Panuel,
Count Johannis, and a noble Knight Petrus, in the fifteenth
(6) century. But it. does not reqijire any comment, to Ihew,
how
( 54 )
*Chn;-). X. liow improperly thefe appellations were applied. Although the
Gipfey chiefs might be pleafed with thefe titles, their dependents
too might efteem them people of rank ; it was nothing but ridi-
culous imitation of Avhat they had feen and admired among civi-
lized people.
Neverthclefe, the cuftom of having Chiefs and Heads over
them prevails to this time, at leaft in Hungary and Tranfdvania ;
probably it may alfo ffcill exift in Turkey and other countries,
where thefe people live together in great numbers. I only iflention
Hungary with Tranfdvaaia, becaufe I have pofitive teftimony
of it.
Their Chiefs, or Waywodes, as they proudly call them, were
Tormetly of two kinds in Hungary. Each petty tribe had its
own leader ; befides which, they had four fuperior Waywodes, of
their own caft, on both fides the Danube and Teiffe ; whofe ufual
refidences were at Raab, Lewentz, Szathmar, and KASCHAti:
to thefe the fmaller (7) Waywodes were accountable. There
would be great reafon to wonder, how ahy well regulated ftate, could
allow thefe people fuch a diftinft eftablifliment, in the heart of
there country, did not the Hungarian writers affign a reafon for
it : viz. that in the commotions and troubles, occafioned by the
Turkifli wars, in former centuries, they were more eafily fummoned,
when occafion required, (8) and rendered ufeful to the ftate by
means of their Waywodes. But the Gipfies in Hungary and
Tranfilvania, were fo circumftanced, as not to be at liberty to chufe
any except the fmall Waywodes of each tribe, from their own
people, but not the fuperior Waywodes. Thefe fuperintendants,
xo whom the Gipfies, in many diftridts, were fubjeft, have exifted
till
( 55 )■
till lately; there is ftill one in Tranfilvania, who has jurifdiction Chap. X*
over the goldwafhers, but they were appointed by the court, and
always felefted from the Hungarian (9) Nobility. It was by no
means a defpicable appointment, as each Gipicy was bound to pay
him a guilder (10) annually, of which one half was demanded
at Eafter, the other half at ( 1 1 ) at Michaelmas. In order to render
the levying this tax more certain, the magiftrates, ia all towns^
cities and villages, were ordered to be aflifting to the colle£tors,
where neceffary; to proteft them alfo, (12) from any violence that
might be offered by the Gipfies. . Thefe fuperior Waywodes are now
no longer appointed, (13) except the fingle one in Tranfilvania,
who has authority over the goldwafliers in thofe parts. But, the
Gipfies ftill continue the cuftom, among themfelves of dignifying
certain perfons, whom they make heads over them, and call by
the exalted Scalvonian title, Waywode. They take the opportu-
nity, when, a great number of Gipfies are affembled ia one place,
to chufe their Wa^'wode, which is commonly done in the open
field. The elected perfon is lifted up three times, amidft the
loudefl acclamations, and confirmed in his dignity by prefents ;
his wife undergoes the fame ceremony. When. this folemnity is
performed, they . feparate with great conceit, and iriiagine them-
felves people of more confequence, than Electors returning from
the choice of an Emperor. Every one is capable of being eleded,
who is of a family, defcended from a former Waywode : but thofe
have generally the preference, who are beft cloathed, not very
poor, of a large ftature, and about the middle age. Underftanding
or wile conduft have nothing to do in the bufinefs. Therefore it
is eafy to diftinguifh the Waywode from the multitude, by obferving
his^..
C 56 )
Chiip. X. his fize and cloathing. The particular diftingiiifliing mark of
dignitj', is a large whip, hanging over the (houlder. His outward
deportment, his walk and air, alfo plainly fliew his head to be
fluffed with notions of (14) authority.
I have not been able to difcOver, how far his fway over his
fubjefts extends. A diftinftion muft here be made, whether the ilate
gives him any power, and what he afliames or derives by cuftom
from his cafl. It were ridiculous to believe, that the ftate fhould,
on any occafion, appoint this fort of illuflrious perfonage a judge.
In Tranfilvania, indeed, the magiflrates do interfere, with regard
to the fellow whom this or that hord have elefted Chief, and
impofe ani obligation on him; but it is only, that he fhall be
careful, to prevent his nimble fubjefts from abfconding, when the
time comes, for them to difcharge their annual tribute at the
Land Regent's chamber. He has no right to meddle with
difputes or quarrels, whidi the Gipfies have among themfelves, or
with other people ; farther than to give notice of them, to the
regular courts of the (15) diftridl they happen to be in. In this
point of view, it is perfectly true what Toppeltin, and others
after him, aflert, that they have little or no power over their
own (16) people : but if we attend to their aftions, the affair
carries a very different appearance. Whenever a complaint is
made, that any of their people have been guilty of theft, the
Waywode not only orders a general fearch to be made, in every
tent or hut, and returns the flolen goods to the owner, if they
can be fovmd, but punifhes the thief, in prefencc of the com-
plainant^ with his whip. Certainly it is not by any written contraft,
that he acquires his right over the people, for no fuch thing exifls
amonii
( 57 )
among them, but cuftom gives him this judicial power. Moreover Chap. X.
he does not punifli the aggreflbr from any regard to juflice, but
rather to quiet the plaintiff, and at the fame time to make his
people more wary in their thefts, as well as more dextrous, in
concealing their prey. Thefe very materially concern him, fince,
by every difcovery that is made, his income fuffers ; as the whole
profit of his office arifes from his (hare of the articles that are -
ftolen. Every time any one brings in a booty, he is obliged to
give information, to the arch Gipfey, of his fuccefsful enterprife,
then render a juft account, of what and how much he has flolen ;
in order that the proper divillon may be made. This is the
fituation where a Gipfey looks on himfelf bound to give a fair
and tnie detail, though in every^ other inftance he does not hefitate
to perjure (17) himfelf. We may therefore judge how precarious
the fuccefs is likely to be, when a Waywode is applied to for the
recovery of ftolen goods. The Gipfies are cunning enough, to
hide what they have pilfered, in fuch a manner, that out of an
hundred fearches, the complainer hardly once accomplifhes his
defire. It does not at all forward the caufe, that the Wajnvode
knows who the thief is : his interefl requires him to difTemble.
Thus, though he does not fteal himfelf, the Spanilli proverb is a
very true one: "The Count and the Gipfey are (18) rogues
" alike." For which reafon people have left off applying to fo
fufpicious a judge. If a thief is catched in the fad, the owner
takes his booty away, and gives him his proper reward, or elfe
delivers him over to the civil powei", for correclion ; Here enfues
a truly laughable fcene : As Toon as the officer feizes on, and
carries away the peifon, he is furrounded by a fwarm of Gipfies,
1 who
( 58 )
Chap. X. who take unfpeakable pains, to procure the releafe of the prifoner^
They endeavour to cajole him with kind words, defire him to
confider this, that, and the other, or admonilh him not to be fo
uncivil. When it comes to the infliction of punilTiment, and the
malefaftor receives a good number of lafhes, well laid on, in the
public market place ; an univerfal lamentation commences among
the vile crew ; each ftretches his throat, to cry over the agony,
their dear affociate is conftrained to fuller. This is oftener the
fate of the women than of the men, as the maintenance of the
family depends more upon them, they more frequently go out
for pkrnder. (19)
CHAPTER XL
On the religion of the Gipjies,
T.
HESE people did not bring any particular religion with
them from their native country ; by which, as the Jews, they could
be diftinguifhed among other perfons ; but regulate themfelves, in
religious matters, according to the country where they live. Being
very inconftant in their choice of refidence, they are likewife fo in
refpedl: to religion. No Gipfey has an idea of fubmiffion to any
fixed profeflTion of faith : ( i ) it is as eafy for him to change his
religion, at every new village, as for another perfon to fliift his coat.
They fuffer themfelves to be baptifed in Chriftian countries;
among Mahometans to be circumcifed. They are Greeks with
Greeks, Catholics with Catholics, and again profefs themfelves to
be
C 59 )
be Proteftants, whene\-er they happen (2) to refide where that is chap. XI.
the prevailing religion.
From this mutability, we conceive what kind of ideas they
have, and from thence we may deduce their general opinions of
religion. As parents fuffer their children to grow up, without
either education or infti-uftion, and were reared in the fame manner
themfelves, fo neither the one nor the other have any knowledge
of God or religion. Very few of them like to attend to any
difcourfe on the fubject, they hear what is faitl with indifference,
nay rather with impatience and repugnance ; defpifing all remon-
ftrance, believing nothing, they live on w ithout the leaft foUici-
tude, concerning what fliall become of them after this life. An
inftance, quoted by Toppeltin, will fully illuftrate this matter.
Gne of the more civilized Gipfies in Tranfilvania, took the refo-
lution of fending his foh to fchool : leave being obtained from the
government, the lad was admitted, and was going on very well,
under his teachers hands. The child died, whereupon the relations
applied immediately to the magiftrates,and the clergy, for permiffion
to give the young man Chrifhian burial, he being a ftudent at the
time of his death. On this occalion the prieft afked whether they
believed the deceafed Ihould rife again at the laft day. " Strange
" idea" they anfwered, " to beliexe, that a carcafe, a lifelefs corpfe,
" Jhould he reanimated, and rife again : in our opinion it zvould-be no
" more likely to happen to him, than to the horfe zve Jlayed a few days
" ago." (3) In this manner the greatefh part of thefe people think,
with regard to religion ; it naturally follows, that their condudl
fliould be conformable to fuch opinions and conceptions. Every
duty is neglecled, no prayer ever pafles their lips, as little are
J 2 thev
( 6o )
Chap. XI. they to be found in any aflembly of public worfliip : from whence
the Wallachians have a faying. " The Gipfies chvirch was built
" with bacon, and the dogs ate it." (4) The religious party,
from which a Gipfey apoflatifes, as little lofes a brother believer,
as the one into which he goes acquires one. He is neither Maho-
metan, nor Chriftian; for the doftrines of Mahomet, and of Chrift,
are alike unknown or indifferent to him, producing no other effeft,
than, that in Turkey his child is circumcifed, and baptifed in
Chriftendom. Even this is not done from any motive of reverence
for the commands of religion, at leaft the circumftance, of a Gipfey's
chufing to have his child feveral times baptifed, in order to get
more chriftening money, flrongly indicates a very different
reafon. (5)
This is the ftate of the Gipfey religion, in every country where
they are found. It is true, that in this, as well as in other things,
there may be exceptions, but they are very rare ; (6) by much
the greateft part of them are as above defcribed. V/herefore the
more (7) ancient, as well as the more (8) modern writers, agree,
in pol'itively denying, that the Gipfies have any religion; and
place them even below the Heathens. (9) This fentence cannot
poffibly be contradicted ; fince, fo far from having any religion,
they have an averfion to every thing which in the leaft relates
r- to it.
CHAPTER
( 6. )
CHAPTER XII.
fkcir language^ fciences, and arts.
IJESIDES that every Gipfey underftands and fpeaks the
language of the country where he lives ; thefe people having
been always famed, for their knowledge of various ones, (i)
acquired by their frequent removal from place to place; they
have a general language of their own, in which they always con-
verfe with each (2) other. Writers are of difFerent opinions,
concerning this, whether it be a fadlitious language, or really
that of any country, and who are the people, from whom it
originates. Some pronounce it a mere (3) jargon, others fay it
is (4) gibberifh. We can by no means agree with the firft, as
the only oround for the aflertion is barely, that they do not know
any other language, correfpondent to that of the Gipiles. Bue
they do not feem to have confidered, how extravagant a furmife
it is, to believe a whole language, an invention, that too of people
nide, uncivilized and hundreds of miles diftant from each other.
This opinion is too extravagant to employ more time to contro-
vert it. The Gipfey language cannot be admitted, for gibberifh
neither; unlefs by thofe who know nothing of the former, or are
totally ignorant of the latter, which is cornipt (5) German;
whereas the former has neither German words, inflexions, nor the
leaft affinity in found. No German would comprehend a fingle
expreflion, although he fhould liften, a whole dviy, to a Gipfey
r'^'^'-rfation.
Chap. XII.
( 62 )
Chap. XII. converfatlon. (6) A third party allow, that the language of the
original Gipfies was really vernacular, and that of fome country,
but alfert, it to be lb difguifed and fallified, partly with defign of
the Giplies themfelves, partly by adventitious events, through
length of time, and the continual wandering of thele people,
that it is entirely new formed, and now ufed by the Gipfies (7)
only. This opinion contains much truth, but carries the matter
too far, in not allowing that any traces remain, to prove any
particular one to be the Gipfies' mother tongue. Perhaps the great
Bi'ifching means the fame thing, when he fays, " the Gipfey
" language is a mixture of corrupt words from the Wallachian,
" Sclavonian, Hungarian, and other (8) nations." Among thefe,
the beft founded notion may be, that it is the dialed of fome
particular country, though no longer fo pure as it is in the country
from whence it (9) originated. This opinion meets the greateft
concurrence of the learned ; and will, I hope, be fully proved,
in another part of this book, where I (liall difcufs the fubjeft again,
more fvilly, in order to corroborate my other proofs of the origin
of this people. Then it will be certified, in what country this is
the native, mother tongue. This is a point, concerning which,
moft writers think differently. Sometimes the Gipfies are Hebrew?,
then Nubians, Egyptians, Phrygians, Vandals, Sclavonians, or,
as opinions vary, perhaps fomething elfe.
It appears extraordinary, that the language of a people, who
•have lived centuries among us, and has been matter of enquiry,
almofl ever fince, fliould ftill remain an affair of fo much uncer-
tainty. Gipfies are to be found every where, and might be very
eafily examined, as clofely and often, as any body plcafed, about
theii-
( 6j )
their language. It would have been no great trouble, to have Chan. XIJ,
made fo much acquaintance, as to brmg them to conveife, with
variety of people, and by means of comparifon, have attained
fome degree of certainty. This founds plaufiblc, but on a clofer
examination, the cafe is very different. First it is not fo eafy,
as people may imagine, to gain much information from the
Gipfies, concerning their language. They are fufpicious, ap-
prehending it might be dangerous to themfelves, were they to
explain it : which makes it not fo prafticable to come to the know-
ledge of what you want. To this mufh be added, that great levity
prevents their ever being attentive to the queftioos pvit to them.
A writer, who had frequent experience of it, expreffes himfelf
to the following effed:. " Suppofe any perfon had an inclination
" to learn the Gipfey language, it would be a very difficult matter
" to accomplilh his purpofe. The intercourfe, with thefe people,
" is almoft infufferable, and very few of them have fenfe enough
" to teach any thing, or to give a proper anfwer to a queftion.
" If you afk about a fmgle word, they chatter a great many,
" which nobody (lo) can make fenfe of; others have equally
" failed of fuccefs, not being able, with all the pains they could
" take, to get from them the pater noflier (ii) in their own
" language." Secondly, fuppofe the language of the Gipfies
had been perfedly underftood, foon after their arrival in Europe,
that would not have prevented the variety of opinions, among the
learned. It would flill have been neceffary, in order to come at
the truth, to have revifed the original languages, of all the
inhabitants both in and out of Europe, or at leaft a general fketch
of them. By fuch a review, the Gipfies mother tongue might
eafily
( 64 )
Chap. XIL eafily have been difcovered. But many there are, as Biittner,
Schlozer, Gibelin and Bachmeiller, who have taken great pains,
in the minute inveftigation of the languages, as well as manners
of different people, and count, thofe they have learned, by dozens.
How was it, indeed, poffible, for the learned of former centuries,
to be competent to the enquiry, as they had not the aids, which
now fo copioufly occur to the hiftorical etymologill. Many
dialefts have been difcovered, and our knowledge of others greatly
Increafed, within thefe fifty years. During that term, the treafures
of the fartheft north have been opened, and the moft eaftern
idioms become more familiar to us : we even know how the
Otaheitian exprefles himfelf. All this did not exift before ; the
knowledge, in this fcience, was much more confined, than now';
nor was it in the nature of things, for the mofi; learned man, fo
circumftanced, to point out the country in which the Gipfey
language was fpoken.
The Gipfies have no writing, peculiar to them, in which to
exprefs their language. (12) Writing or reading are, In general,
very uncommon accomplifliments with any of them, nor muft they
be at all expefted among the wandering fort. Sciences, and the
refined arts, are not even to be thought of, amongft people, whofe
manner of living and education are fo rough. Twifs does, indeed,
mention, that the Spanlfli Gipfies have fome knowledge of medi-
cine and furgery ; but woe betide the perfon who confides In their
ikill. It is abfurd to believe, that they have any fecret for extin-
guifhing fire : fuperftition formerly gave the Jews credit for this
art, in procefs of time, the Gipfies alfo, were (14) gifted with it.
Mufic is the only fcience in which the Gipfies participate. In any
conliderable
( 65 )
confiderable degree ; they compofe likewife, but it is after the Chap. XH.
manner of the Eaftern people, extempore. In Wallachia, no other
people poffefs this talent, and, like the Italian improvilatori, they
always accompany their verfes with linging and mufic. The quality
of the poetry of thefe ready compofers, may be known, by the cir-
cumftance, of the rhyme being the part moft confidered ; in order
to accomplifli this, they are frequently guilty of the moft
glaring folecifms in grammar, befides, the common train qf their
ideas is of the moft obfcene kind, thefe too they exprefs in the ;
grofs ftile of rude unpolilhed people. It is not neceffary, therefore,
to be a great mafter, a Wieland, to hold their art in the greateft
contempt. (15)
CHAPTER XIII.
Charaaer and capacities of the Gipfies ; whether they are am
advantage or detriment to a Jlate.
Imagine people of a childhh way of thinking; their minds
filled with raw, undigefted conceptions; guided more by fenfe
than reafon; ufmg underftanding and refleftion fo far only as
they promote the gratification of any particular appetite ; and you
have a perfeft Iketch of the Gipfies charader.
They are lively, uncommonly loquacious and chattering ; fickle
in the extreme, confequently inconftant in their purfuits, faithleis
to every body, even their (i) own caft; void of the leaft emotion
of gratitude, frequently rewarding benefits with the moft infidious
]^ malice.
( 66 )
Quip. Xin. malice. (2) Fear makes them flaviflily (3) compliant when under
fubjeclion, but having nothing to apprehend, like other timorous
■people, they are cruel. (4) Defire of revenge often caufes them
to take the moft defperate (5) refolutions. To iuch a degree of
violence is their fury fometimes excited, that a mother has been
known, in the excefs of paflion, to take her fmall infant by the
feet, and therewith ftrike the objeft (6) of her anger, when no
other inftrument has readily prefented itfelf. They are fo addided
to drinking, as to facrifice what is moft neceffary to them, that
they may feaft tlieir paJate with fpirits. (7) They have too, what
■one would little expect, an enormous fhare of (8) vanity, which
fhews itfelf in their fondnefs for fine cloaths, and their gait and
deportment when dreffed in them. One might imagine, that this
pride would have the good effeft, to render a Gipfey cautious,
not to be guilty of fuch crimes as fubjeft him to public fliame ;
but here comes in the levity of charafter, for he never looks to
the right nor to the left in his tranfacfllons. In an hours time he
forgets that he is juft untied from the whipping (9) poft. But
their pride is grovmded on mere triviality, as appears plainly from
their making it a point of honor, to abufe their companions, and
pvTt on a terrible appearance, in the public market, where they
are fure to have many fpeftators, they cry out, make a violent
noife, challenge their adverfary to fight, but very feldom any
thing comes (10) of it. Thus the Gipfey feeks honor, of which
his ideas coincide very little with thofe of other people, fometimes
deviate entirely from propriety ; Therefore, I fhall not be guilty
of- any contradiftion, in now aflerting, what everyone, w'-o has
jnade obfervations on thefe people agrees in, viz. that honor or
fhame
' , C 67 )
fliame are indifferent to them. This decifion holds good, if we Chap. XIII.
compare Gipfey notions with our own ; trying their dealings and
condudl by this ftandard, they will often appear ridiculus, fre-
quently even infamous.
Nothing can exceed the unreftrained depravity of manners,
exifting among thefe people, I allude particularly to the other fex.
Unchecked by any idea of fhame, they give way to every defire.
The mother endeavors, by the moft fcandalous arts, to train her
daughter for an offering to fenfuality, and this is fcarce grown up,
before flie becomes the feducer of others. Let the dance, formerly
mentioned, be called to mind, it will then be unneceffary to adduce
frefli examples, which my regard for decency oblige me to omit.
Their hidolence has been quoted before. Lazinefs is fo pre-
valent among them, that were they to fubfift by their own labor
only, they would hardly have bread for two of the feven days,
in the week. This indolence increafes their propenfity to flealing
and cheating, the common attendants on idlenefs. They feck
and avail themfelves of every opportunity, to fatisfy their lawlefs
defires. This has not grown upon the latter Gipfies, by degrees,
in oppofition to the practice of thofe who firft arrived^ Thomallus
does indeed endeavour to propagate ( 1 1 ) fuch a notion, quoting
Stumpffor his authority ; who talks of Chriftian difcipline and
order among the original Giphes, he afTures us too that they
paid (12) ready money for all they wanted ; but this teftimony
does not deferve attention : the Gipfies in Stumpf 's time, were
the fame as they are at this (13) day, nor are differently defcribed
by any of the old writers. (14)
K z This.
( 68 )
Chap. XIII. This is a tolerable lift of evil and minous properties in the
'Gipfies charadler, which applies nor only to a few individuals,
but to by far the greateft number of thefe people. I fcarce know
how to name any virtue, that could exift in a foul fo replete with
vices. What at firft fight appears leaft cenfurable, or perhaps even
amiable in them is, their conftant content in their fituation.
They have no care about futurity, they are unacquainted either
with anxiety ■ or folicitude, and go through every day lively
and fatisfied. But this, in itfelf, commendable refignation, is as
little to be accounted virtue, among the Gipfies as among the
Iroquois, and proceeds from the exceffive levity of their dil-
pofitions.
Let us now take a glance at the natural qualities, and capacities
• of the Gipfies. Here they will appear in a favorable point of view.
It does not require much obfervation to be convinced of it.
Take them at whatever employment you will, there always appear
fparks of genius. It is well known, and no writer omits to remark,
with what artful curious devices they know how to perpetrate
any cheat or robbery ; but this is not the only particular, wherein
they fhew brains and capacity. The following words, of an Hun-
garian author, who was a nice obferver of thefe people, contain
many other inftances of them.
" Thefe people," he fays, " have a fertile imagination, in
" their way, are quick and ready at expedients, fo that in many
" ferious dubious cafes, they foon recoUeft how to aifl in order
" to extricate themfelves. One cannot, indeed, help wondering,
•" when one attends to and confiders, the fkill they exert in
^' preparing and bringing their works io (15) perfection, which
( 69 )
" is more neccflary, from the fcarcity and want of proper tools ..Chap. XllL
" and apparatus. They are very acute and cunnuig, in cheating
" or thieving ; and when called to account, for any fraud or
" robbery, fruitful and perfuafive in their inventions to defend
" themfelves. " '
At Debrezin, as well as at other fchools in Hungary and Tran-
filvania, there have been feveral lads admitted for inftruftion,
they have at this time a Gipfey boy in the Evangelical fchool at —
Clevernefs is obfervable in all, and no defpicable talents for (i6)
ftudy. If another proof (hould be wanting, let us advert to their
ikill in mufic. That no Gipfey has ever fignalized himfelf in any
branch of fcience^ notwithftanding, according to the foregoing
accounts, many of them have and ftlU do partake of the
inftrudion to be difpenfed at public fchools, is no contradidion
to the point in queftion. Their volatile difpofition and un-
fteadinefs do not allow them to cempleat any thing, which
requires perfeverance or application. Frequently the bud dies
before it blows, or if they proceed fo far that young fruit appears,
it commonly falls off and rots, before it comes to maturity- In
the midft of his career of learning, the recoUeftion of his origin
feizes him, a defire arifes to return to, what he thinks, a more
happy manner of life, this increafes, he gives up all at once, turns
back again, and configns over his knowledge to (17) oblivion.
Such is the caufe, why the Gipfey race has never produced a
learned man, nor ever w ill as long as they retain thefe principles.
Nobody will be able eafily to prove, that the Gipfies are
deficient in capacity, nor that they have not throughout a wicked
depraved turn of mind. The former might render them very
profitable
( 70 )
Chap. XIII.^ profitable fubjefts to the ftace, but the latter makes them the mofs
ufelefs pernicious beings. They are not fit for agriculture, nop
any other art which requires induftry ; on the contrary, they aro
burthenfome from their begging, they do mifchief by their variouj
impofitions, bclides, being thieves and robbers, the)' deflroy tho
fecurity of a ftate. The goldwafhers, in Tranfilvania ^nd the
Banat, are the only confiderable exceptions; thefe Gipfies are
efteemed the heft of the caft, they have no intercourfe with thofe
of their own nation, nor do they like to be called Gipfies, but
Brafchen, and in the Hungarian language Aranyafz ( gold colleftors).
Their employment is not profitable, wherefore they are generally-
poor and neceflitous, yet feldom beg, it is ftill more rare for them
to fteak Content with their fcanty fubfiftanee, they fift gold fand
in fummer, in winter they make trays and throughs, which they
fell in an honeft (i8) way. Thefe properties render them, not
only harmlefs, but ufeful to, government ; as they annually
produce large fums, Vv'hich, but for them, would remain in the
earth. What pity it is, that fo fmall a part ihould be well
inclined, in proportion to the multitude, in Tranfilvania and
elfewhere, who live in the manner above defcribed. There remains
perhaps one more line, in which a ftate might reap advantage from
the Gipfies, viz. enlifting them for foldiers. They feem to doubt
of this in Spain, as no Gipfey there, even were he fo inclined,
can become (19) a foldier. In other countries people think
differently. For example in the two Hungarian regiments, the
Eflerhafifli (now Orofailh) and the Julaifh, nearly every eighth
man is a Gipfey. In order to prevent either them, or any othei;
perfon from remembring their defcent, it k ordered by government^,
that
( 7^ )
that as foon as any of them join the regiment, he is no longer to Chap. Xill.
be called a Gipfey. Here he is placed, promifcuoufly with other
men, and by fuch a wife regulation, may be fyftematically rendered
ufefiil. But whether he would be adequate to a foldier's ftation,
unmixed with ftrangers, in the company of his equals only, is
very dubious. His healthy robuft body, aftive on every occafion,
at the fame time fo inured to hardfliip, that he can defy hunger,
ihirft, heat, cold, and other inconveniencies, make him uncom-
monly qualified for a military life : on the other hand, his
remaining properties feem to be incompatible with his profeffion,
and contain but few of the requifites for a ferviceable foldier.
How could a regiment, compofed of people, without heart or
courage, who would be overcome with fear and difmay, on the
leaft appearance of danger, would give up every thing, and only
think of faving themleves by flight, ever perform any great
action ? Or how could one expeft from their levity, and un-
fpeakable want of forefight, that they (liould avail themfelves, to
the utmofl of any advantage with proper precaution and judgement.
The following incident, taken from the Hungarian annals, may
ferve as proof, whether this fufpicion be well founded or no.
In the year 1557, during the troubles in Zapoly, the caflle
of Nagy Ida, in the county of Abauywar, was in danger of being
befieged and taken, by the Imperial troops. Francis von Perenyi,
who had the command, being fliort of men, was obliged to have
recourfe to the Gipfies, of whom he colleftcd a thoufand, thefe he
furniflied w ith proper means of defence, and ftationed them in the
outworks, keeping his own fmall compliment of men to garrifon
the citadel. The Gipfies imagined, that nobodv could anoy them
behind
C r- )
Cli?'P. XIII. behind iheir entrenchments, therefore went courageoufly to their-
pofts. Every thing was in order when the enemy arrived, and the
ftorm commenced. The Blacks, behind their fortifications, fup-
ported the attack with fo much more refolution than was expefted,
returning the enemy's fire with fuch alacrity, that they fufpedled
nothing lefs than a fwarm of Gipffes to be the defendants, and
were aftually retreating. They had hardly quitted their ground,
when thefe conquerors, elated with joy on their viftory, crept
out of their holes, crying after them, '•' go and be hanged,
*' you rafcals, thank God we had no more powder and (hot,
" or we would have played the very Devil with you, nor have
" fufFered a foul to efcape." " Ha! ha!" replied the retiring
befiegers, as they turned about, and, to their great aftonifhment,
inflead of regular troops, difcovered a motley Gipfey tribe,
" Are you the heroes ? is it fo with you ?" immediately
wheeling about to the left, fword in hand, they drove the black
crew back to their works, forced their way after, and in a few
minutes totally fubdued them (20). Thus the affair ended. In
this manner Gipfies would frequently trifle away, by heedleffnefs,
what they might have gained by good fortune and alacrity, if they
were permitted to aft in feparate corps.
There are many inftances, in the annals of former centuries,
where Gipfies have been employed in military expeditions ; but
i'eldom, or rather never that they were thought of as foldiers.
At Cnipa, in 1565, they prepared cannon balls for the (21)
Turks: ftill earlier, in 1496, they ferved Sigifmund, Bilhop of
Fiinfkirchen for the fame purpofe. (22) In the thirty years war,
the Swedes likewife had a body of Gipfies in their (23) array.
And
( 73 )
And when Hamburg was befieged by the Dunes, in 1686, there Chap. Xllr.
were three companies of them againfl; it. Their deftination was
not lo much to Hand to their arms, as to perform other (24)
fervices; they were chiefly employed in flying parties, to burn,
pkinder, or lay wafte the (25) enemies country. As thefe are the
operations moll fuitable to their genius, they are now, by the
Turks deftined to fuch purpofes, and incorporated with the Sains,
Serdenjefl:i, and Nephers. (26)
Thefe are the ufes which have hitherto been made of the Gipfies
in war ; from whence we experience the poflibility of their being
rendered ferviceable, although the ftricl watch, neceflTary to be
kept over them, on account of their propenfity to be guilty of
exceffes and irregularities, would be troublefome.
But in order to bring the advantages, and difadvantages, attend-
ing them, to a fair difcufllon, it mud not be forgotten, that, at
the very time one part of thefe people might be moft beneficial?
viz. in time of war ; another part have it in their power to do
more mifchief ; by reafon of the diforder which then prevails,
when the relaxed attention of the magiflrates, makes them more
daring in their robberies. Befides, what is the worft of all, they
are very convenient for the enemy to ufe as machines for their
treachery. What they were accuftomed to praftice very commonly,
at l?aft formerly, they flill continue to carry on, whenever they
they have an opportunity, as their difpofition is what it ever was.
They have been generally decried, in early times, as traitors
(27) and fpies : perhaps this accufation may be extended too far,
but it is not totally without foundation. A Gipfey poflTefTes all
the properties required to render him a fit agent to be employed
( 74 )
Chap, XIII. In trakerous undertakings. He is eafily won over, becaufe he h
neceffitous, alfo his mifconceived ambition and pride, perfuade
him that he becomes a perfon of eonfequence ; he docs not refieft
on danger, becaufe he is too inconfiderate, and works his way
under difficult circumftances, as he is artful to the greateft
degree.
This accufation may be proved, by more than one example.
Count Eberhard of Wirtemberg, made a pilgrimage into Palef-
tine in the year 1468, with a train of forty people; and, as
Crusius (28) fays, fell into the hands of the Sultan of Egypt,
through the treachery of the Gipfies. Further, during the troubles
excited by John Zapolya, in Hungary, in the fixteenth century,
fundry fpies and delegated incendaries were taken, which proved
to Jje Gipfies. (29) In 1602 Count Bast a, the Imperial
General, who befieged the city of Biftritz, in Tranfilvania, when
he wanted to circulate a letter among the befieged, effefted it by
means of a Gipfey. (30)
Sometimes they were dangerous to a country, by harbouring
other fpies, who, iinder the difguife of Gipfies, made excurfions,
furveying cities and countries, without being noticed. An example
of this kind is recited, in the adventures of a certain French
engineer, Peter Durois, which is a circumftance, in the
records of Louis XIV. perhaps as much unknown as it i/ re-
markable. It relates, that at Padock (Patak) in Upper Hungary,
a great fire happened, through the careleflhefs of the Gipfies ;
by which not only the little city adjoining the fort was burnt,
i)ut the beautiful Bruderhoff was alfo reduced to aflies : for which
.feven Gipfies were felzed ; among them a French engineer, Peter
Durois,
r 75 )•
rJi'Rois, was taken into cuftody. This perfon had travelled Chap. XIIL
about with them nine years ; he had fkctches (31) of all the great
fortifications, in the whole Roman Empire, and the Imperial
hereditary dominions, in the moft concife manner, with remarks
where each place was lead defenfible. This affair has ftill another
voucher, who fays, in the month of June, of the year 1676, the
Gipfies fired this little city (Patak) together with the church.
Among thefe Gipfies was found a French engineer, named Peter
DuRois, who had been nine years with them, and received
confiderable remittances from France. He was taken by the-
Imperialifts, and there were found upon him, (3 2) plans of almoft
all the cities of Upper Hungary, and the German Empire.
Thus thefe people caufe much damage and mifchief, with,
little or no profit, take them in whatever point of view you
will.
CHAPTER XIV.
Concerning their being tolerated by a Jlatc.
X^ ROM the uncommonly bad and pernicious qualities of the
Gipfies, the queftion arifes, what a government can do with them.
It is already a long time, fince people have ferioufly taken into
confideration, the evil they oecafion, and how means my be devifed
to fecure themfelves againft it. As banifhment was very much in
vogue formerly, nothing could be more natural, than that
it fhould likewife be exercifed againft the Gipfies. Not only the
L 2 clergy
( 76 )
Chap. XIV. clergy (i) and politicians, (2) inveighed ftrongly, againft the
toleration of thefe people, but their exile was actually refolved
upon, in moft of the countries of Europe.
About the end of the fifteenth tentury Spain made the
beginning. King Ferdinand, who efteemed it a good work
to (3) expatriate ufeful and profitable fubjefts, could much lefs
be guilty of any impropriety, in laying hands on the mifchievous
progeny of the Gipfies. The edift for their extermination came
out (4) in the year 1492. Inftead of paffing the boundaries,
they flunk into hiding places, and Ihortly after appeared every
where, in as great numbers as before. The Emperor Charles V.
perfecuted them afreili, as did Philip II. alfo. (5) But fince
that time they have nellled in again, and been left to them-
felves till very lately, when, vinder the prefent King, they were
threatened with another ftorm ; but it blew over, without taking
effeft. (6)
In France, Francis I. paffed an edift for their expulfion;
(7) and at the aflembly of the States of Orleans, in 1561,
all o-overnors of cities, received orders to drive them away, (8)
with fire and fword. Neverthelefs, in procefs of time, they had
collefted again, and increafed to fuch a degree, that in 16 12, a
new order came out for their extermination. (9)
In Italy, their fituation has been equally precarious. In the
year 1572, they were compelled to retire from the territories of
Milan (10) and Parma, and fomething earlier they were
chafed beyond the Venetian (i i) jurifdidion.
England firft endeavored to difburthen itfelf of them, in the
year ic;^i, under Henry VIII. but as the ad, palled, for
that
( 77 )
that purpofe, fell into difregard, a new (12) one came out under Chap. XI\'.
Elizabeth.
They were not allowed the privilege of remaining unmolefted
in Denmark, as the code of Danilli laws Ipecifies. The
Tatars (Gipfies) who wander about every where, doing great
damage to the people, by their lies, thefts, and witchcraft, Ihall
be taken (13) into cuftody, by every magiftrate.
Sweden has not been more favorable, having, at three different
times, attacked them. A very iharp order, for their expullion,
came out in the year 1662. The Diet, of 1723, publillied a
fecond : and that of 1727, repeated the foregoing, with additional
(14) feverity.
They were excluded from the Netherlands, under pain of
death, partly by Charles V. and partly afterwards by the
United Provinces in 1582. (15)
Finally, the greateft number of fentences of exile, have been
pronounced againft them, in Germany. As well Imperial
decrees, as thofe of particular Princes, have been repeatedly iffued,
for removing thefe people. The beginning was made, under
Maximilian I. at the Augsburg Diet, in 1500: where the
following article was drawn up on this bufinefs. " Rcfpefting
" thofe people, who call themfelves Gipfies, roving up and down
" the country. By public edift, to all ranks of the empire,
" according to the obligations, under which they are bound, to
" us and the Holy Empire ; it is flrictly ordered, that in future
" they do not permit the faid Gipfies ; (fince there is authentic
" evidence of their being fpies, fcouts, and conveyers of intelli-
" gence, betraying the Chriftians to the Turks, ) to pafs or
" remain
( 7-8^ )
Chap. XIV. "remain within their territories, nor to trade or traffic ; neither-
" to grant them proteftion nor convoy. And that the faid Glpfies-
*f do withdraw themfelves, before Eafter next enfuing, from the
" German dominions, entirely quit them^ nor fuffer themfelves.
" to be found therein. As in cafe they fliould tranfgrefs, after
'^ that time, and receive injury from any perfon, they fhall have-
" no redrefs, nor Ihall fuch perfon be thought to have committed;
" any crime." The fame affair occupied the Diet in 1530...
7544 . . . 48 . . . 51 and was alfo. again enforced^ in the. improved,
police regulation (16) of Frankfort in 1577.
Several princes were fo little attentive to thefe orders of the
Empire, that, inflead of endeavouring to drive out the Gipfies,.,
ihey on the other hand, furniflied them with paffports (17) and
fafe condufts : others on the contrary, and by far the greateft
number, exerted themfelves to the utmofl, to clear- th^ir Rates of-
tliis vermin, and fome ftill continue the fame watchfulnefs.
From hence it ap^^ears, how univerfally the opinion was adopted,
that banilhing the Gipfies, was the only method to be fecure from
their malignity. Perhaps, there is not one civilized ftate, Hun-
gary (18) and, Tranfilvania excepted, where this remedy has not
been tried : but whether it be as expedient, as it has been hitherto-,
general, is much to be doubted.
In thi FiKsi: place, it had very little effeft, and that little was .
only temporary. Even if every civilized nation had driven the ■
Gipfies from them, at the fame time, Europe could not have been
entirely cleared of them, fo long as they preferved an afylum in
Turkey, and that they would have done, fince Ofman tolerates
every nation in his dominions. Now as experience evinces, there
is
{ 79 )
is no country, in which a conftant equal attention is paid to the Chap. XIV-
execution of the laws, they would, in more or lefs time, have
infinuated themfelvcs again, inro the neighbouring countries ;
from thefe into others, and recommenced where they had left off.
But this never did happen, for the laws, for banifliing them, pafled
in one ilate, before it was ever thought of in the next ; or when
a like order had long become obfolete and fallen into oblivion.
Thefe defirable guefts were, therefore, difpatched into that land,
where they remained, till government began again to clear them
away ; upon which the fugitives either retired back, from whencfc
they came, oT went on progreflively, to a third place : thus
making an everlafting revolution.
Secondly, this remedy was premature ; endeavouring to
e'xterminate was the fame thing, as if a furgeon flrould proceed
diredlLy to the amputation of a difeafed limb, becaufe it created
inconvenience to the reft of the body. Whereas the firft enquiry
fliould be, whether the diforder were of fuch a nature, as not to
be removed but by entire reparation. This is a defperate remedy^
which Ihould only be adopted, when no other can be efficacious.
Had the Gipfies, hitherto, occafioned never fb much mifchief,
it was no impoflible thing, that they might ceafe to be fuch per-
nicious beings. At leaft there had never been any trial made,-
from which this impoffibility could be afcertained. Men may be
formed to any thing. Had proper means been Xjfed, for their im-
provement, the event would have proved, that they were not
incapable of becoming better. If feveral at different times, have
of themfelves, emerged from their favagenefs, how much more
likely is it, that the remainder might have been altered, had they
received
( So )
Chap. X|fIV. received fuch aids, as their neceffities required. But it was not
merely a premature ftep, to expell the Gipfies intireljf. It was,
Thirdly, a wafteful one. This may perhaps found odd, but
is certainly indifputable, as long as the Hate maxim holds good,
that an increafed population is more advantageous than a fmaller
one, which is in ibme degree a confequence of the laft mentioned
circumftance. It is allowed, that a ftate would not lofe any thing
by the Gipfies, as Gipfies ; on the contrary, it would be a gainer,
becaufe an obftacle to the general welfare would be removed ; but
this is not the matter in q\ieftion. Every man has taxes to pay,
and powers to exert, the Gipfies none of the leaft ; if he does
not know how to make ufe of them, let the date teach him, and
keep liim in leading firings till the end is attained. If the root
of tlvs depravity lies lo deep, in the hrft generation, that it
cannot be removed immediately, a continuation of the fame care
will, in the fecond or third defcent, be fure of meeting its reward.
Now let us refleft on a Gipfey, when he has difcontinued his
Gipfey life, confider him with his fecundity and numerous family,
who being reformed, are made vifeful citizens, and we fliall
perceive how great want of oeconomy it was to throw him away
as drofs.
Pretty near the fame idea has ftruck other authors ; at leaft
tliey fo far agree, in what has been advanced, that they advife
making the Gipfies ufeful in fome way : only the means they
recommend have powerful objeftions to them. They think the
ftate might make public Haves, or penitentiaries, of thefe people,
and fet them (19) to all kinds of work. But fuch dependants,
even fuppofing them to be employed in the moft beneficial way,
ate
( Sr )
are always a nuifance and burdien to a (late. Befides, in the above Chap. XIV.
fcheme, there is no propofal made for the bettering thefc people,
fo they muft either be fulTered to wear out, or remain under the
conflraint of convicts, from generation to generation. The firfl
fliould not be permitted, becaulc when they were extindt, they
could render no further fervice to the community. They muft
therefore be allowed to increafe. But what could be done at laft
with this multitude and their brood? Would it not lequirc
whole diftrids, and large cities to be built, merely to turn the
thoufands of thefe wretches into. Moreover what an expence,
and inconvenience to fuperintend them. As plaulible, therefore, as
that propofal appears at the firft glance, as little will it ftand the
teft of a clofer examination.
Therefore banifliment was not the proper method to be adopted,
nor would it have been advifeable, to make them penitentiaries or
galley flaves ; but care fliould have been taken, to enlighten their
underftandings, and to mend their hearts.
But what has been omitted formerly, there is ftill time enough
to execute. Few, or almoft none of the larger ftates, are fo
entirely cleared of Gipfies, that they may not here and there be
found by hundreds, in moft countries by thoufands. The times,
when the firft fentences of banifliment were pronounced, were too
unphilofophical, for any thing preferable to be fuggefted ; but
it may be expefted, from a more informed age, to adopt better
maxims. We fend ApoflJes to the Eaft and Weft, into the moft
diftant parts of the Earth; and, as will be fliewn below, into the
very country, to the brethren of the Gipfies, in order to inftrud:
the people who know not God. Is it not inconfiftertt, for men
M to
( 82 )
Chap. XIV. to be foUicitous for thofe who are without, and to throw off and ■
leave to chance thofe, who, equally wretched, have brought their
errors home to us. If it be a good work, to teach religion and
virtue, to fuch as are ignorant of their Creator, why not begin
with thofe neareft to us : efpecially as negleft, in this particular,
is attended with detriment to fociety in general. They have been
long enough among civilized people, to prove, that they will
not be allured, by the mere example of others, to free them-
fclves from the (20) fetters of old cuftoms and vices. In order
to accomplifli that, foreign and more effeftual help is requifite.
It were in vain to hope for any confiderable progrefs, from thofe
who are grown up, it would be fufficient by compulfion, to make
them quit their unfettled manner of life, by inftruftion and
teaching, to convey a glimmering of light to their underftandings,
and endeavour at fome melioration of the heart. Proper care
being taken of the education of the children, fociety would be
more likely to have its endeavors crowned with fuccefs.
CHAPTER XV.
Ejfay on their improvement.
XT would be a lamentable cafe, if fuch regulations were only
pious wilhes. Let us hope fomething better ! the work is already-
begun, a great Emprefs, Therefa, has laid the plan, to win over
thefe poor unfortunate people, to virtue and the ftate. It is only
great pity, that the execution of her wife difpofitions, refpefting
the
( 83 )
tlie GIpllcs In Hungary, feems to have been entrufted to people Chap. XV-
inadequate to the tafk.
What was done, in her time, towards the accomplifhing this
work, may be feen by the following article, in the Ncwfpaper
already often quoted, called, Anzeigen aus den Kayferl. Konlgl.
Erblandern, (Intelligence from the Hereditary Imperial Royal
Dominions). " Since the year 1768, feveral decrees, rep-ardinp-
thefe people have been publiflied, In the country (Hungary), and
the ilriclcfl orders difpatched to the feveral diftrlfts. In confequcnce.
They were prohibited from dwelling In huts or tents ; from
wandering up and dowa the country ; from dealing in horfes ;
from eating animals which died of themfelves, and carrion ; and
from ele<5ling their own Wayda or Judge. It was intended to
extirpate the very name and language of thefe folks, out of the
country. They were no longer to be called GIpfies, but New
Boors (Uj Magyar), not to converfe any longer with each other
in their own language, but in that of any of the countries in
which they chufe to refide. Some months were to be allowed,
after which time they were to quit their Gipfcy manner of life,
and fettle, like the other inhabitants, in cities or villages ; to '
build decent houfes, and follow fome reputable bufinefs. They
were to procure Boors cloathing, to commit themfelves to the
protedtlon of fome territorial fuperior, and live regularly. Such
as were fit for Soldiers, to be enllfted Into the regiments."
Neverthelefs lb apparently as thefe regulations were calculated,
entirely for the good of thefe people and the ftate ; jufl; as little
were the greateft part benefited by them. The fmall effeft which
was produced, gave occalion. In the year 1773, for thefe orders
M z not
C S4 )
Chap, XV. not only to be repeated, but made more rigid ; and when even
this would not anfsver the end, it became neceffary to pro-
ceed to extremity, with them. Wherefore it was ordered,
that no Gipfey fliovild have permiffion to marry, who could not
prove himfelf in condition, to provide for and maintain a wife
and children. That from fuch Gipfies who were married and had
families, the children fliould be taken away, by force, removed
from their parents, relations, or intercourfe with the Gipfey race,
to have a better education given them. A beginning was made,
in fome (i) places, and where they would not comply voluntarily,
they were compelled to fubmit to the decree. At Fahlendorf, in
Schiitt, and in the diftrid of Prefsburg, all the children of the
New Boors (Gipfies) above five years old, were carried away in
waggons, in the' night of the twenty-firft of December 1773,
by overfeers appointed for that purpofe ; in order, that, at a
diftance from their parents or relations, they might be more
ufefuUy educated, and become accuftomed to work. Thofe Boors
who are willing to receive and bring up thefe children, are paid
eighteen guilders yearly from Government. On the 24th of
April 1774, between five and fix o'clock in the morning, the
children of the Gipfies, which had been growing up, from
December of the foregoing year, were again removed from
Fahlendorf in Schiitt and Hideghid, for the purpofe of being put
\mder the fame courfe of difcipline as the others. Among the
former was a girl fourteen years old, who was forced to fubmit to
be carried off in her bridal ftate. She tore her hair for grief and
rage, and was quite befide herfelf with agitation : but (he has
now
• ; ( 85 )
now (1776) recovered a compofed ftate of mind, having, 'hi Chap. XV.
Fafching, obtained permiflion to accomplilh her marriage.
So far our intelligence quoted from the Gazettes ; from whence
we may fee, how prudently every thing was concerted. It is true,
the means here made ufe of are compulfory, but neceffary, and
the only ones capable of infuring fuccefs. Moreover, it may at
the fame time be obfervcd, although the publifher of this infor-
mation endeavours to conceal it, how little thefe falutarv regu- . .
lations were put in force, there were fcarcely two places in the
kingdom, where it was even endeavored to give them proper
eifeft. This fupinenefs muft have been unknown to the great
Jofeph, or he would certainly have enforced them afredi, to all
chiefs and governors, at the fame time, that he gave orders for
their being obferved in Tranfilvania.
This, more late decree of the Emperor's, which came out laft
year, means, as was the intention of Therefa, with the Hungarian
Gipfies, that thofe alfo in Tranfilvania fliould become better men,
and more ufeful inhabitants. For which reafon, it prohibits their
wandering about and living under tents ; requires that they (hall
become fettled, and put themfelves under fome territorial chief.
In order to ftrike at the root of the evil, neceffary and minute
diredlions are given, for the improvement of their religious ideas
and opinions together with their lives as citizens. (2)
First, with refpeft to religion, they muft
1. Not only be taught the principles of religion, themfelves, but
fend their children early to fchool.
^ 2. Pre:
( 86 )
Chap. XVo 2. Prevent, as much as poffible, their children from running
about naked, in the houfe, the roads, and ftreets, thereby
giving offence and difguft, to other people.
3. In their dwellings, not permit their children to fleep pro-
mifcuoufly by each other, without diftinftion of fex.
4. Diligently attend at church, particularly on Sundays and
holidays, to give proof of their Chriftian difpofition.
5. Put themfelves under the guidance of fpiritual teachers, and
condufl; themfelves conformably to the rules laid down by
them.
Secondly, with refpeft to their temporal condud and
better mode of living, they are bound
I, To conform to the cuftom of the country, in diet, drefs,
and language : confequently to abftain from feeding on cattle,
which have died of diftempers ; not to go about in fuch
unfeemly dreffes ; and to difcontinue the ufe of their own
particular language.
z. Not to appear any more in large cloaks, which are chiefly
ufeful, to hide things that have been ftolen.
3. No Gipfey, except he be a goldwafher, fball keep an horfe,
alfo the goldwafhers
4. Muft
( 87 )
4- Mufl refrain from all kinds of bartering at the nnnual fairs. Chap. XV.
5. The Magiftrates, of every place muft be very attentive, that
no Gipfey wafle his time in idlenefs ; but at thofe feafons,
when they have no employment either for themfelves, or
any landholder, recommend them to fome other perfon^
with whom they (hall be compelled to work for hire,
6. They are to be kept, particularly, to agriculture ; therefore
7. It is to be attended to, where poflible, that every Territorial
Lord, who takes any Gipfies under his jurifdiftion, do allot
them a certain piece of ground to cultivate.
8. Whoever is remifs, in his hufbandry, fliall be liable to
corporal punilhment.
9. They fhall only be permitted to amufe themfelves with
mufic, and other things, when there is no field work to be
done.
Thefe regulations will, probably, be attended with the moft
efficacious confequences, as Jofeph's eye is too watchful, to fuffer
any thing, he has planned to remain unexecuted. Should his
undertaking fucceed, and he (hould, moreover, revive this bufinefs,
with good effedl in Hungary, where it feems to have fallen into
oblivion -
C «8 )
Chap. XVe oblivion ; it will be an additional jewel in his crown, nor will it
be the laft among his other atchievements, tranfmitted to pofterity,
that upwards of eighty thoufand miferable wretches, ignorant
of God and virtue, deep funk in vice and brutality, like
only half men, wandering in error, were by him drawn out
of their delufion, converted to human creatures, and made good
citizens.
APPENDIX.
( h )
APPENDIX.
Letter from a noble Hungarian Lady, on the fubjed. of the Gipjies'
in Hungary. ( i )
A READ the Paper called, News from all the Imperial, Royal
Hereditary Dominions : for as I live in the country, where, befidcs
my own domeftick affairs, I have no employment but reading and
writing ; I receive partic\ilar fatisfadion from thefe fheets, as they
fiipply matter for inveftigation, for refledtion, and alfo for practice.
You know I have only one daughter, you are alfo not ignorant,
that I educate other young ladies of q\iality, and keep them with
me till they marry. In order that, in addition to domeftic
ccconomy, they may acquire fome general knowledge, it is my
cuftom to keep a fort of fchool, that they may not mifapply their
capacity for improvement ; but, as much as poffibie turn it to
the greateft (2) advantage. Among other things, we are now
difcufiing the narrative in your paper, about the Gipfies. There
are a great number of them, on my eftates, but I have permitted
two families in particular, to eftablifli themfelves at the place of
of my own refidence, under the exprefs condition, that no others
fhall come here and join them. I took all poffibie pains, to make
them reafonable creatures. I fet the elder ones to work ; the
younger ones tend the cattle. I obferved that they were more
fond of horfes, than any thing elfe ; for which reafon I placed a
N Gipfey
( 9° )
Appendix. Gipfey under each groom. I had their children cloathed, that,
none of them might be running about naked, according to their
'ufual praflice. It appeared, however, that cuftom was become
nature with them. The old ones worked diligently, fo long as
any body flood over them ; the moment their back was turned,
they got all together in a circle, their legs acrofs, facing the fun,
and chattered. Thus they cannot poffibly earn more, indeed
hardly fo much, as would find them bread, although very cheap
v/ith us ; for the bread I give them does not ftand me in half a
kreutzer the pound. Even in winter they cannot bear a hat on
their head, nor fliocs on their feet. The boys run like wild
things, wherever they are fent, either on foot or on horfeback ;
but they fpoil horfes unmercifully, beat them on the head, jerk
the bits in their mouths, fo as to make them nin down with
blood. They cannot be brought, by any means whatever, to
drefs horfes. Cloath them as you will, they always fell or lofe
their cloaths. In a word, one cannot but confider them as void
of reafon ; it is really fhocking to fee even well grown children, put
whatever they find into their mouths, like infants before they can
fpeak ; wherefore they eat every thing, even carrion, let it ftink
never fo much. Where a mortality happens among the cattle,
there thefe wretched beings are to be found, in the greateft
numbers. This winter, I was fo unfortunate as to have an infecflion
among my hogs ; immediately, inftead of my two families, I had
ten, infomuch that I was forced to drive them away ; fearing
they would rob me, that being their chief occupation. I fometimes
ftand by them, for an hour together, and enquire 'concerning
their religion. They profefs to be Roman Catholicks, but know
nothing
C 9t )
aothing of the matter. I afked them, if they knew there is a Appendix.
God ? They faid yes. How they knew it ? I perceived, by their
confufed anfsvers, that according to the Apoftle Paul, in the firft
chapter of his Epiftle to the Romans, they know the Creator,
from feeing tlie things created. I firft afked if they love him ?
As their anfv/er feemed to indicate, that they more fear than love
him, I enquired, Whether they had not fufficient proofs of his
goodnefs ? They then anfwered, becaufe he killed them : for they
are extremely afraid of death. It would take up much time, to
convey to them an idea of a life to come, I therefore declined
the attempt, and only endeavoured to convince them, that when,
with advanced age, nature became weak, and the ftrength im-
paired, a good death was one of the greateft benefits God could
confer upon mankind. They burft into a general laugh, faying,
what they had was fomething, but when they died all was gone..
From whence we may infer how ignorant they are. It would be
a bleffing to them, if they had human, rational principles. As
they are, their great neceffity makes them thieves, robbers, and
liars. Their mode of life is downright brutifh ; their marriases
are not holy, and in general, the accounts lately publiflied, make
it appear, that even the Hottentos poffefs more religion, than we
find among thefe poor people. It is true that orders come from
the Royal Office, concerning them, but they pafs unobferved.
They are driven from one place to another, without being allowed
a chance of getting a maintenance, or making provifion for the
better education of their children. This does not concern me ;
but excites compafilon when I refleft on it.
- ' N 2 I have
< 9^ )
Appendix. I have compared their language with the Gazettes, but thai
fpoken by my Gipfies is different, and bears more refemblance to
the Latin. They call God, Di . . . bread-pan . . . water-apa. This
feems to be corrupt Latin, and they have many more fuch words.
' They mix Sclavonian and Hungarian words with their own, but
give them quite a different fignification.
H. C.
■g- V. J,
ai. April, 1776.
Tind of the FIRST PART.
Diflertation on the Gipsies,
SECTION II.
On the Origin of the Gipsies.
CHAPTER I.
The firjl Appearance of Gipfies in Europe.
J.T is no where recorded, in what year, or in what part of
Europe, Gipfies made their firfl appearance. But it is to be
premifed, what will afterwards be inveftigated, that they did not
originate in our quarter of the World ; on the contrary, that
they ftrayed hither, as Oriental fhangers, either from Egypt,
Asia Minor, or fome other part: we fhall then examine,
whether it may not be poffible, by means of what is related, in
old \\ritings, concerning the difcovery of them, in different
countries, to follow the track fo far, as to make out, where and.
when they firfl: fet foot on European ground.
Mention is made of them in Germany, fo early as the year
141 7, when they appeared in the vicinity of the North Sea. (i)
A year afterwards we find them alfo in Switzerland and
Graubundten. (2) In 1422 they likewife appeared in (3) Italy.
It is unknown what was the earlieft period, that they were obferved
in
( 94 )
Chap. I. in France and Spain: but their appearance, in thefe countries
muft have been of later date, than among us, as is proved in
refpedl to France, by the name Bohemians, which they bear
there: in regard to Spain, Cordova, in order to contradict
fome furmifes, about the Gipfies mother country, ufcs the
argument, that they were known in Germany prior (4) to
either Spain or Italy. The French make the firfl mention
of them, in 1427, when they ftraggled about Paris, having
arrived there on the 17th day of Augufh (5)
From what country did they come into Germany ? It is
MuRATORi's opinion, from (6) Italy : but how unfounded
this is, appears clearly from their coming to that country, after
they had been in Germany. The Bologna Chronicle afcertalns the
time, when Italy became acquainted with thefe people. The
hord, therein mentioned, which arrived in that city on the 1 8th
of July 1422, confifted of about an hundred men; whofe leader
or (as they called him) Duke's name, was Andreas. They
travelled from Bologna to Forli, intending to proceed to pay the
Pope a vifit at (7) Rome. Muratori founds his judgement
on this Chronicle, not knowing, that Gipfies are fpoken of in
the German prints, five years earlier.
Still lefs tnie is what Majolus aflerts, that they came from
Spain, and only entered (8) the German territories in the year
1492, when they were driven out of Spain, by Ferdinand the
Catholic. Hungary is certainly the country from whence they
came into Germany. Not only the time confirms this conjefture,
as we find them (9) in Hungary in 141 7, the very fame year,
that they were firfl obferved in Germany, but Aventin expreffly
mentions
( 95 )
^mentions Hungary, among the countries from which he Aippofes Chap. I.
them (lo) ro come.
In this flate our examination refts, in regard to whether they
appeared earlier in fome other place, or arrived here firft.
That Poland fliould be the country which harboured the firft
Gipfies, and that they fpread from thence into Wallachia, Tran-
filvania, and other places, is a mere arbitary furmife. The writer
(ii) who is of this opinion, appeals to MiiiosTER's intelligence,
but that does not contain a fyllable in confirmation of it. Others,
with the greateft confidence, maintain, that Wallachia and
Moldavia, where they alfo wandered about in 141 7, are the (12)
places in which they made their firft appearance among us. Can-
TEMiR, on the contrary, is very undecided In this matter, faying,
" From whence, or at what time this nation arrived in'
*' Moldavia, neither do they know themfelves, nor is there any
*' mention made of it in our annual (13) publications." How-
ever, the fecond opinion fecms to approach very near the truth,
but does not point out the particular province, in which the
Gipfies were firft obferved, (and of what ufe would that be.) But
one information, compared with other clrcumftances, is of fo
much afliftance here, that we may, without hefitation, pronounce
Turkey to be the country, from v/hich thefe Eaftern guefts
found their way to us. This is probable . . . First, becaule
AvENTiN expreflly makes Turkey their original place of rendez-
vous. Secondly, as this explains why the fouth eaft parts of
Europe are moft crouded with Gipfies, as was aflTerted in the
beginning of the other ( 1 4) part. What they did in every other
place, happened likewife in Turkey, viz. many remained behind,
In
( 96 )
Chap. I. in every country they pafled through. Now as all that came
to Europe pafled by here, whether at once, or in different
divifions, it was poflible, indeed a neceflary confequence, that a
greater number fhould remain here, than in the different countries,
where their hords were much divided and diminifhed.
The time when they arrived, has been as little certified, as the
particular place where they landed. Perhaps, the before quoted
Chronicle of Bologna, may give us fome inlight into this matter:
It relates, as appears by the context, from the mouth of the leader
of the hord which it defcribes ; that thefe people, at the time of
their arrival at Bologna, had been five years wandering (15) about
in the world. Now, if this account is to be depended on, they
cannot have arrived in Europe earlier than the year 141 7. But,
in order for this relation to be believed, it is principally to be
confidered, whether the author of it be deferving of credit. To
place any confidence in Gipfey narrations in general, would be
nothing lefs than prudent ; as there are too many proofs, that
their fayings are mere nonlenfe, and contradiftory prattle : but the
cafe in queftion, feems to be an exception. All the ftuff and lies
which the Gipfies gave out, concerning whence they came, with
the reaibns for their wandering, have an end in view. But with
regard to the time, if he knew, he is more to be trufted, as he
could not perceive any injury to refult from a mere date. Now
tlie inference to be drawn is, that the leader of an hord, might,
not only know how long he had retired from Egypt, or Asia
Minor, and travelled about in Europe, as the time had been-
fliort ; but it may alfb be fuppofed, that he laid what he knew.
In the mean time, we will compare this cited term, of five years,.
with
( 97 )
with other circumftanccs, and fee whether they make for, or Chap. 1.
againft our argument. The firft cafe would be, whether there
are any earlier, authentic, accounts of their appearance in Europe,
than 141 7? But we do not find fuch (16) any where. The fecond
thing to be enquired is, whether, if they were not feen towards
the Black Sea, before 1417, they could in one year's tinie have
reached the North Sea. This doubt is a very trifling one. A
year was quite fufficient, for fuch a wandering people, who never
tarried long in a place, to have migrated even far beyond where
they were met with. And then, if they were not earlier in
Moldavia and Wallachia, than the year 141 7, yet appeared
the fame year in the neighbourhood of the North Sea ; what great
difference would it make, if they came from a provifice, next
beyond Moldavia or Wallachia, fo on that account travelled, a
few miles further, tc arrive at the fame place ? It is therefore very
credible, that 141 7 was the rime of their arrival.
Although immediately after their coming into Germany, they
fpread fo rapidly, that in 141 8 their names were (17) recorded
rn the annual publications of almoft every part of it ; yet par-
ticular places feem to have been favored by them. Thus in
Bavaria they were not noticed till 1433, (18) and they muft have
very quickly withdrawn themfelves again, from thefe parts, as,
fix years afterwards, it was remarked as fomewhat new and
unheard of, that in this year, (1439) the Gipfies, a pack of
fcoundrels, a riff raff gang, were come into that country, with
their King, whofe name was Zundl. (19.)
They did not travel together, but in different hords, each
having its leader, fometimes called Counts, at others giving
O themfelves
( 93 )
Chap, I. themfelves out for Dukes or (20) Kings of Lesser Egypt. One
herd, which arrived at Augfburg in 141 9, although it conlifted of
only feventy men, had even two of thefe Dukes, befides fome
Counts, (21) with them. But what foit of creatures, thefe
dignifyed perfons among the Gipfies were, has been explained in
another (22) place.
If Stumpf is right, the number of thefe people muft have been
very confiderable. Thofe alone, who came into Switzerland in,
3718, women and children included, were (23) eftimated at 14000.
But here, he, or his authorities, feem to have greatly mifcounted.
It is true, that he likewife remarks, they did not keep all
together, but went about in feparate parties ; notwithftanding this
his account is much to be do\ibted. By what I can find concerning
particular hords, there were none which exceeded one or two (24)
hundred. That which went to Augfburg in 1419, confifted of
only feventy men : therefore if they had been as abundant as
Stumpf fays, there muft have been at leaft an hundred fuch
hords, difperfed through Switzerland. It was at this time, 141 8,
that Gipfies were firft feen at Zurich, they were a fwarm whofe
leader's name was Michael. It was not till four years afterwards
that they were known at Bafil, and the fame fet, being no other,
than the very hord of this (25) Michael. Would not fome other
tribe have got to Bafil, before thefe, if they had been fo numerous?
Thomasius adopts this number of 14000, without fufpicion, and
underftands it to comprehend the whole multitude, all over (26)
Germany : but then he does not appear to have quoted Stumpf's
teftimony in the fenfe it was meant. There muft certainly have
been, a vaft quantity of them arrived, as they fpread every where
fa
( 99 )
fo prodigiovifly, but to pcrfift in any nearer invefligation of their Chap. T.
numbers, would be only trouble thrown away.
Their poflefTions were, as at prefent, fmall, and their whole
arrangement lingular, befidcs that, according to the Eaftern
cuflom, they hung cloths about them^ inftead of other garments ;
thefe confifted of ragged tatters. Their leader only, or fome of
thofe, above the common rank, who would be Nobles, or even
Counts were (27) exceptions. Several had hories, aifes or mules
with them, on which they loaded their tents, with other things,
and the whole family into the bargain. They had alio dogs in
their company, with which, Kranz afferts, they ufed illegally
to kill (28) game : but probably the dogs were not fo much
intended to hunt hares, as to kill fowls and geefe.
•C H A P T E R II.
On the fanEi'tly, pajfporls, and difference of the former, from the
latter Gipjies.
\T was the fafhion, foon after their arrival, to believe them
Egyptians and pilgrims, who were conftrained to wander on a
religious account. This miftake originated from the Gipfies own
relation ; but on giving a more circumftantial detail, of the reafons
for their pilgrimage, they varied very much from each other.
One part of them declared, that they w^ere compelled to make
this emigration, as an atonement for their forefathers having, for
fome time, (1) apoftatifcd from the Chriftian faith. Others gave
O 2 out
( loo )
Chap. IL out that the King of Hungar}', had feized their country, and iii
like manner, impofed this penance of wandering, on them, h
third (2) party related, that God had fignifyed to them the
neceffity of this pilgrimage, by univerfal ilerility in their country.
The caufe of this vifitation, was on account of the fin committed
by their anceftors, in refufing to receive the infant Jefus, with his
Mother and Jofeph, when they (3) fled to Egypt, as an afylum^
from the perfecution of Herod. The term of their pilgrimage
was to be feven years.
There is no need of any evidence to determine that thefe were
mere fables ; and it is matter for aftonidiment, that men fhould
be found, who adduced long winded proofs of the origin of thefe
people, grounded on no better authority, than fuch idle tales.
Although we have not now any polltive grounds remaining, to
ihew how thefe legends were invented, or what gave rife to them :
the real truth, which lies at the bottom of all this, feems to be
merely, that upon being aJked, from whence they came, they
anfwered from Egypt ; and there is no reafon exifting, to deny
their having come from thence. Now very likely, priefts, monks,
or perhaps other people, might wonder why they fhould quit fo Holy
a country, whither formerly the Mother of God, with the child
Jefus, and Jofeph had fled for refuge, unlefs their forefathers
had been guilty of fome tranfgreflion, on that occafion, and
But be this as it will ; all that could be faid, with regard to the
erigin of their legends, would be only mere conjeftures, and
1 leave every body at liberty to form ihofe for themfelves. Let
it fuffice to fay, they chufe to be looked upon every where as
pilgrims.
• ( lOI )
pilgrints, and they met with more ready belief, as it coincided Chap. IL
with the infatuation of the times.
This credulity, with which people gave into the idea that th;
Gipfies were real pilgrims and holy people, was attended with
the confequence, that not only nobody oppofed them ; but, if
the information on this head may be depended on, every body
gave them affiftance, with exprefs fafe condufts. Thefe fiife
condudls are mentioned in feveral old writings. Munster de-
clares, not only in general terms, that they carried about with <
them, paffports and feals, from the Emperor Sigifmund and other
Princes, by means of which, they had free paflage, through
different countries and cities ; but that he had himfelf, feen (4)
an attefted copy of fuch a letter, in the pofTeffion of fome
Gipfies at' Eberbach. Befides Kranz, Stumpf, and Guler;
Laurentius Palmirenus (15) alfo agrees in this; but is
guilty of a miflake, in confounding the Emperor Sigifmund with
Sigifmund King of Poland. The Gipfies at Bologna, likewife,
flievved an inftrument from Sigifmund, but he appears to have
granted this to them, not as Emperor, and in Germany, but in
Hungary, and as King of Hungary. (6) A pafs of another
King of Hungary, Uladiflaus II. which the Gipfies obtained,
chiefly on account of their fuppofcd fanclity, and pilgrimage,
might be quoted. In Tranhlvania, they were not deftitute, if it
be true, that they received this fort of letters of proteftion,
from the Princes of the Houfe of Bathorv. (7) Wehner faj^s,
that the Gipfies in France, likewife quoted ancient privileges,
granted to them by the former (8) Kings of that country.
CR.USIUS, WuRSTiSEN and Guler, mention papal permiflions,
which.
( I02 )
Chap. II. which thefe people acquired, for wandering, unmoleftcJ, through
all Chriftian countries, as long as the time of their pilgrimage
lafted. (9)
This is what we find, difperfed here and there, concerning
the privileges and pafles of the Gipfies. How much or how little
are we to give credit to ? Thomasius believes every thing (10)
as it {lands. Ahasuerus Fritsch, on the contrary, declares
it all to be lies, and the Gipfies own (11) invention. It certainly
carries a very equivocal appearance, as none of thefe inftruments,
are verbally handed dov,'n to us, fo that they can be properly
proved ; except that of Uladiflaus II. which does not belong to
this queftion. Moreover, it has been frequently experienced, that
the Gipfies, ufing the pretence of fuch fafe condufts, have com-
mitted all manner of exceffes, and when compelled to produce
them, had either nothing to fliew, or fuch kind of papers, as
did not at all refemble, what are (12) ufually given from a public
office. It cannot be denied they have pradiifed deceit, but it is
impoffible to allert, with certainty, that the whole was fallacy.
If the contents of that paflport, to be found in Muratori,. (13)
is conceived in fuch terms as to allow the hord, which pofleffed
it, to wander about feven years, to rob or Ileal every where,
without any perfon being permitted to bring them to juftice ;
fuch a letter feems to carry falfehood, on the very face of it, as
no fenfible Prince could ever 2:rant fuch an one. But what fliall
we fay, if thefe words do not fo much convey the fenfe of the
inftrument, as a crafty explanation of the author, on recollefting
the many irregularities, praftifed by the Gipfies, who availed
themfelves of this freedom, to travel about everywhere unmolefted.
Further,
C 103 )
Further, with refpect to the paffport, which Munster perufed Chap. II,
at EuERBACH, although every one mufl look upon the reafons,.
(14) given by the Gipfies, for their emigration, as mere fidions,
yet we cannot entirely rejccSl it. ^Vhat could it benefit them,
being old, and having loft its validity many years ago ? ^Vhy did
not the hord to which it belonged carry with them fonie writing,
that might afford them prelent protedion ? If they had been
guilty of any knavery, about this letter, why was it juft of that
kind, as could only ferve, incontrovertibly, to prove they were
cheats ? Thefe documents would certainly not have been found
among them, had they not been tranfmitted, from their parents
and anceftors, as things of value. Suppofmg this matter to have
been invented by themfelves, it is difficult to conceive, why they
fhould confine their privileges to feven years, and not rather leave
them unlimittod. But there are other proofs of the authenticity
of fuch letters. The firjl is, they were looked upon as pilgrims,
and as it was quite conformable to the cuftom of thofe fuperftitious
times, to grant to pilgrims, as Holy People, all forts of paffes,
and fafe conducts. Secondly, we cannot do otherwife than believe,
that this did happen, with the Gipfies, when we read, with what
chagrin, Aventin mentions their thefts and excelTes, concluding
thus. " Robbing and ftealing are prohibited to others, under
" pain of hanging or beheading, but thefe people (15) have
" licence for them." When Thirdly, in the decree of the Diet
at Augfburg Anno 1 1^00, all ranks of people in the Empire are
ftridlly enjoined, in futui'e, not to permit the people called Gipfies,
to travel through their countries and diftridls, nor to grant them
any further protedion and convoy, it certainly implies that
people
( T04 )
Chap. IL people had formerly granted them fuch protection and convoy.
Whoever has ftill any doubts remainuig, may read, Fourthly,
in a decree of the Empire, of fifty years later date, a reg\ilar
complaint, preferred on account of the paffports granted by various
Princes, to the Gipfies, and whicii are, by that Diet, declared
to be null and (i6) void. All this taken together, will not, I
believe, allow the fliadow of a doubt to remain, that fuch letters
•of convoy, had really been gxanted to the Gipfies.
TheGipfies golden age continued a confiderable time, but at laft,
when about half a century had elapfed, and people began to have a
watchful eye over them, the old prejudice gave way. They endea-
voured to prolong the term, partly by giving out, that their return
home was prevented, by foldiers, ftationed to (17) intercept
them : partly by wiiliing to have it believed, that new parties of
pilgrims were to leave their country every year, otherwife their
land would be rendered totally (18) barren. All this was of no
avail ; people faw too clearly, that inftead of Holy Pilgrims, they
were the mere refui'e of humanity ; upon which followed the
fentences of banifhment, that have been mentioned above.
Before I proceed to other matters, I muft fay a few words about
what has been allerted in fome writings, that the later Gipfies
differed very widely from thofe who went about during the firft
feven years, both with refpeft to their conduci and defcent.
Stumpf, for inftance, and others after him relate, that thefe firft
Gipfies obferved very decent, Chriilian order, did no harm to
any one, but paid ready money for Vihat they confumed : for
which purpofe they received frefh remittances conftantly, and at
the expiration of feven years returned home. Afterwards an idle
defpcrate
( '©5 )
defperate crew united, who, when the GIpfies were withdrawn, Chap, il,
took their place, and by blacking their faces, at the fame time
iifmg the like outlandifli garments, wanted to perfuade the world
that they were the identical Egyptians.
This is all related with fo miich appearance of veracity, that,
at the firft view, one is not even tempted to harbour a lufpicion ;
wherefore Thomasius readily adopted the whole as real, and
founded his whole fyftem about the Gipfies upon it : whereas,
upon clofer examination, we find, there is not a fyllable of •
truth in it.
This tranfaftion, we acknowledge, is recorded in four different
annual (19) publications, but all the four amount only to a hngle
teftimony, which refts entirely upon Stump f, from whom the
other three have drawn their aflertions : it therefore, all flows
from Stumpf's fpring. Let it remain, as Thomasius will
have it, (20) an old manufcript account or chronicle, it is ftill
evident, that the favorable defcription of the ancient Gipfies,
originates from the fame prejudice, as firft produced their pafT-
ports. And even thefe pafTports may have contributed to recom-
mend the name of the firfl Gipfies. They have had fo much effed;
on Thomasius, that all the good he has given the abovemen-
tioned primitive Gipfies credit for, has been principally owing
to them. (21)
When Stvmpf, or rather his authority, mentions among other
circumftances, that the earlier Gipfies received remittances, from
time to time, out of their own country ; it was a necefTary
addition, to fupport the Editor's opinion : As the reader, who
was to believe, that thefe people, did not fteal, but paid money
P for
( io6 )
Chap. II. for every thing, would have wanted faith, had he not been affured
beforehand, where the money came from, in order to provide for
their neceffities, in an honeft way, during the term of feven years.
With regard to the latter Gipfies, they were certainly lineal
defcendants from the former ; who were undoubtedly equally
thieves, cheats, and rafcals, as thefe. (22) The falfe uprightnefs
and honefty, allowed to the Giplies, in the Manufcript Chronicle,
which Stumpf copied, might, even before Stump f's time,
induce the continuator of this Chronicle to believe, on finding his
cotemporary Gipfies lived in a very different way, from what they
had formerly the credit of doing, that thefe were not the true
Egyptians : and becaufe the further connexion of the affair,
according to his imagination, appeared very probable, he wrote
down his furmife, not by way of conjefture, but as pofitive tmth,
and Stumpf, in his Annual Regifler, afterwards quoted it as fuch.
Whoever does not allow this, but looks upon the latter Gipfies in
the light that Stumpf reprefents them, muft be ready to anfwer,
when called upon to folve, the following doubt. How was it
poffible, that a colleftion of rafcals, affembled in Europe, fuppofing,
that in refpeft to complexions and cloathing, they fliould be able
to transform themfelves into real Gipfies ; could at once acquire
foreign countenances, fpeak a foreign language, and both in
confLitution and turn of mind, become perfedly Oriental, contract
a :tafte and defire for carrion, which remains with them to this
day. It cannot be denied but fome depraved people, have
affociated themfelves with the Gipfies, (23) fo as to live with
them : but I cannot allow, that particular inftances are proof
at general maxims^
CHAPTER
(107)
CHAPTER III,
Prefumed origin of the Gipjies.
J.T would be equally ufelel's, prolix and difgufting to reconfider
the multitude of conjeftures, which the queflions, " What race
of people are the Gipfies ?" " And where are we to look for
their true mother country?" have occafioned. The greateft part of
them are of fuch a nature, that they only require to be heard, to
be totally rejefted. I muft neverthelefs produce fome as examples,
in order to be excufed for having pafTed over the reft in filence.
People have tried various methods, to obtain a folution of
thefe queries. Some adverted to this or that name only of
the Gipfies, without attending to other circumftances. Becaufe
they were likewife called Gipfies (Cingani) they muft imme-
diately derive from the Grecian heretics, called (i) Athin-
gans ; then again they muft have wandered, from the African
Province, formerly called, (2) Zeugitana ; Another time they
are fuppofed to be the fugitives, driven from the city (3) Singara,
in Mefopotamia, by Julian the Apoftate ; others again tranf-
planted them to Mount Caucafus, and made them (4) Zochori, or
to the Palus IVIcEotis, making them (5) defcendants from the Ziches.
Some people imagined, that inftead of Zigeuner, they ftiould be
called Zigarener, which they efteemed a corruption of Saracener,
and they muft certainly be (6) Saracens. Another writer, (to
return to Africa) condufts them from the Mauritanian province
Tingitane, and judges them to be the Canaanites, which, being
P 2 driven
Chap. III.
( io8 )
Chap. III. driven out by Jolliua, fettled (7) here. Still another bring',
them from Mauritania, and to corroborate his opinion by the
name, calls them defcendants of Chus, as he thinks nothing can
have a greater affinity in found, than Zigeuner and (8) Chufener.
Herbelot takes the coafl of Zengebar for their mother (9)
country. Bellonius, on the contrary, looks for them in
Bulgaria and Wallachia, where their Anceftors are laid to have
lived, under the name (10) Sigynner. Cordova thought on
Zigere, formerly a city of Thrace, which he affigns as their (11)
native foil. Some people fancied they had heard that the Gipfies
called themfelves More, and often ufed the name amori among
•one another (not amori, but dfcha more .... get out fellow !)
and now they are (12) Amorites. ...
Another fet, befides this or that particular name of the Gipfies,
confidered their unfettled way of life alfo ; or culled fome
particular circumftance, from their manners, by which they
decided concerning their origin. Wherefore they were fome-
times (13) Torlaques, Fakirs or (14) Kalendars ; fometimes the
remains of Attilas [15] Huns; at other times the Avari, who
were vanquifhed by Charles the Great ; Then again Petfchenegers,
who played their laft part in the twelfth ( 1 6) century .; or perhaps
a mixture of all kinds of rafcally people gathered together, having
colleftively no certain country, as their name Zigeuner indicates,
fignifying, to wander up and down : for which reafon our German
anceftors, denominated every ftrolling vagrant (17) Ziehegan.
By feveral people they have been efteemed inhabitants of the Alps
and (18.) Pyrenees, others fuppofe them to be Cain's defcendants,
who, on account of the curfe, denounced againft their flock, have
been
C 109 )
T)eeii under the neceflity of leading a wandering (19) lite. Chap. III..
Becaufe they pretend to tell fortunes, fome have believed thcni
to be Chaldeans, or fomc (20) Syrian religious fedl. Brod^sus
formed his judgement from their cloaths, in which he thought he
difcovered a refemblance to the Roman Toga, tlierefore imagined
they were natives of Wallachia, and defcendants from the colony,
•fent by Trajan into Dacia, in order to keep this new conquered
country fleady in their allegiance. And, according to his aflertion,
people in Germany'do really call them Pf'^ahlen (he writes JValacben)
that is to fay (2 1 ) Italians.
Thefe opinions, whether united or fingle, are no more than
mere partial conjeftures ; I (liall therefore not proceed witii the
•lift of them : bur only cite a few which feem to have more
appearance of probability. Let us begin (22) with Wagenseii,.
He looks upon the Gipfies to be German Jews ; -who, about the
middle of the Fourteenth Century, to efcape the dreadful perfe-
cutions which raged againft them, all over Europe, efpecially in
Germany, hid themfelves in forefts, (23)defarts, and fubterraneous
caverns. Here they remained above half a century, and made
their firft appearance again, at the period of the Huflites ; as
every one then attended only to the Huffifh herefy ; with regard
to the Jews, all was fafe. But not daring yet to venture, paffing
for Jews, they fell on the device of faying, they were, not
Chrlftians, that their refpeift for the Mofaical Law would not
permit, but in general terms, ftilcd themfelves Egyptian pilgrims.
Thofe, who did not )'et know who they were, nor whence they
came ; from their wandering about, (einherziehen) called them,
"Giplies (Zigeuner). 'l"o prove this origin of the Gipfies, he
refers
( MO )
Chap. III. refers to their language, which is a mixture of German avd
Hebrew, quoting, at the fame time, near fifty words, which are
evidently Hebrew. He then alks, whence fliould the Gipfies have
gotten fo many Hebrew words into their language, if they were
not Jews ; at a time too when Hebrew was unknown to all other
nations ? Now this opinion bears infinitely more the appearance
of truth, than any one of thofe before cited. It muft alfo have
been deemed incontrovertible by the learned producer of it, as he
mentions it, in the introduftion to his treatife, with great confidence,
and as much (24) joy as if he had difcovered the philofopher's
ftone. Notwithftanding all this, the confutation is fo flrort and
eafy, that two words are fufficient to overfet the whole fyfliem :
which refhs entirely on the proofs of the language, but thefe do
not apply to the cafe in queftion, the words quoted are taken from
3(25) gibberifh vocabulary, but gibberifh is (26) not the Gipfey
language. What relates to the Jewifli perfecution, is very juft,
but all the refi: are mere conjeclures, founded on it by the learned
man, and frequently very (27) inconfiftent.
A later opinion is, that the Gipfies are an hord of Tartars^
which feparated themfelves from the multitude, with which Timur
invaded Weftern Aiia, about the year 1401. The fuppofed proofs
are, F/rJl, becaufe the Mongols (Mongols and Tartars are here
reckoned one and the fame (28) people) are juft as nomadic as
the Gipfies. Secondly, becaufe thefe have fometimes declared them-
felves to be Tartars. 'Thirdly, becaufe the Gipfey King, mentioned
by Aventin, whofe name was Zundel or Zindelo, a Mongol
Chan, was a defcendant from the great Zingis : as Zindelo
is a very eafy change from Zingis. Fourthly, becaufe, among tl:e
feverai
( III )
firveral ftates into which the Mongol Empire was divided, after Chap. III.
the death of Zingis, one was called Dfongar, and the members of
it Dfongari, which agrees perfeftly with Zingari. Fifthly, becaufe
the Tartar and Gipfey language have a great affinity ro each
other; for in the laft war, between Ruffia and the Port, a com-
mander of Crini Tartars, by name Devlet Gueray, fignalized
himfelf very much ; and this Devlet, is perhaps derived from
Devla, the Gipfey appellation for the Deity, and may be a name,
under which the Tartars reverence any thing refpeftable. Sixthly,
and laftly, becaufe the time of Timur's expedition, agrees very
well with the firll (29) appearance of the Gipfies. This is an
opinion founded on fix points, and one might add in confirmation
of it, that by this hypothefis, it may reafonably be accounted for,
how the Gipfies, fuch poor wretches in general, came to be (o
well ftored with gold and filver at their fiift arrival in Europe, as
Stumpf and others aflert. If they were part of Timur's followers,
they might very likely have it by robbery, and plunder taken from
the people they had conquered.
Among all thefe grounds, that adduced from the favorable
concurrence of chronological events, has the moft weight, but
proves neither more nor lefs, than the bare poffibility of the
thing. With refpedl to the firft point, it is not fo clearly made
out. The Tartars are herdfmen, and the quality of the pafture,
for their cattle, implies a fixed refidence. Gipfies, on the
contrary are ignorant, as to tending cattle, nor have they the
fmalleft idea about breeding them. Further, whether they are
Tartars, becaufe they give themfelves out as fuch, or have been
declared fuch by other people : whether Zindelo is a Mongol
Chan,
( 112 )
Chap. III. Chan, bccaufc his name is eafily derived from Zingis : whether
the language of the Tartars bears a near affinity to that of the-
Gipfies, becaufe among them a man was found, whofe name
Devlct, is perhaps derived from the Gipfey word Devla, and
as that among them fignifies God, it may pofTibly, among
thefe, fignify fomething like it. All this I leave to the
readers difcretion. If thefe affertions are admitted for proofs,
then the Gipfies muft be Bohemians, becaufe they are called fo
in France. Thus Chiflet muft have been of Gipfey or Tartar
defcent, becaufe his name may poffibly be derived from Devla or
Devlet. The Franks too, are probably derived from the Trojans,
becaufe Pharamond, their King's name, may be formed from
Priamus. Dfongari and Zingari compared with each other do
coincide, except that the latter is only the Latin termination given
by the learned. But befides all this, if the Gipfies muft be
Tartars at all events, where are the Tartars broad faces? where
is their courage ? where are the zealous religious principles with
v\'hich the Tartars honor the Deity, and upon occafion, fight
for him ? Finally, with regard to language, this rather makes
againft than in favor of the opinion I am talking of The
language of the Tartars is Turkifti, that of the Gipfies is quite
a different one, as I fhall prove by and by. .
As thefe and the like- arguments rather controvert the Tartar
origin of the Gipfies, fo can we as little agree with Mr. Pray,
in fuppoiing them to be (Tartars) of Asia Miis'or, from the
countries of the Ancient Zichen, whole name the Gipfies are
faid to bear; nor with an older writer Ekhard, who will have
it, that they are Circaflians, which were terrified from their
habitations
( ns ) ^
Habitations by Timur's Mongols. Mr. Pray brings nothing in Chap. Ir5,
fupport of his furmile, but the iimilarity of found in the names
Zigianer (Ziehen or properly Zygier) and Zigeuncr ; togethei'
with the circumftance, that the latter appeared among us, foon
after Timur's expedition into (30) Afia Minor. Ekhard, on
the contrary, who in like manner, unites the names Zigeuner
and Circaffier, by endeavouring to prove, that thefe, as pofleflbrs .
of the countries, belonging to the Ziehen ; were, by authors
indifferently fliled, fometimes Circaffier, fometimes Zygier and
Ziehen ; adds moreover, that the Circaffian complexion vvas a
brown yellow, exadly like the Gipfies ; that they both luffer
their hair to hang loofe over their flioulders : further, that in their
diet and cloaths they are both equally dirty, and laflly, that among
the Circaffians, you meet (31) with aftrology, and all kinds
of witchcraft, precifely the fame as among the Gipfies. But this
comparifon, were It even better founded, than (32) it is, would
only prove, that you may make what you pleafe of the Gipfies.
Upon the fame ground, they might juft as well be allied to the
people of Otaheite, or any other unpolifhed nation, in any
quarter of the Globe. And yet, the author draws this conclufion
from it, that one egg is not more like another, than Circaffians
to the Gipfies; and he may confidently affert, that all thofe who,
before his time, have been of a different opinion, were (33) miftaken.
I ought long ago to have fpoken about the reputed Egyptian
defcent of the Gipfies, but as that has been a very current, and
almoft univerfally received opinion, it merits a chapter by itfelf.
Q^ CHAPTER
Chap. IV.
( "4 )
CHAPTER IV.
On the Rgvpt'ian defcent of the Gipfies.
T,
HE belief that Gipfies are of Egyptian origin, is as old
as the exiftence of thefe people in Europe. It aroie from the
iirft of them who arrived here, having, every where, publiflied,
that they were pilgrims from Egypt ; and this has not only been
univerfally adopted, by the common people, but has alio, here
and there, obtained credit among men of learning. Had this
opinion not been harboured, at a time, when every thing was
taken upon truft without examination ; had it not been pro-
pagated every where by the firft Gipfies, and received the fandtion
of time in following ages, it would have been impoffible for it to
have gained fuch general acceptation, or to have maintained
itfelf even to the lateft times.
Till the laft century, the Egyptian defcent of the Gipfies refted,
entirely, on tradition. Thomasius was the firft, who en-
deavoured to ground this matter on fatisfaclory evidence. Thofe
who, fince him, have purfued the fame method, are principally
the Englifliman Salmon ; and now lately, Signor Griselini.
But before I produce their vouchers, I muft premife, that
Thomasius talks only of thofe Gipfies, who travelled about
Europe, the firft (i) feven years after their arrival ; for he
thinks, that, after fevcn years were elapfed, thefe, except (2) a
very few, rettirned home again, and after their retreat, the prelent
ict was produced, as has been already defcribcd. In this particular,
he
( "5 )
he differs entirely from the other two writers, making the latter Chap. IV.
Gipfies a cUftlndt race of people from the firfl. On the contrary,
Salmon, as well as Griselini, efleem thofc, and with truth,
to be lineal delcendants of thcfc, confequently bring them all
from Egypt.
Thomasius fays. " The firft Gipfies never would allow
" themfelves to be any thing but Egyptians ; afferting always,
" that the LefTer Egypt was their mother country, and they
" deferve credit, as they were (3) an honorable worthy fet
" of people." There is only this to be obferved againft it, that
among the oldeft writers, who, prior to Stumpf, mention the
Gipfies, not one feems to be acquainted with their worth.
Though Thomasius himfelf difcovered the weaknefs of his firft
argument, therefore haftens to another. " Be this as it may,"
he proceeds, " they were in the earlieft times, when doubtlefs
" fomething more certain was extant, always looked upon as (4)
" Eo'vptians : fo that it docs not become us, who live two
" hundred years later, pofitively to rejeft (5) what was, at that
" time generally aflcnted to." But this kind of reafoning proves
too much, for by the fame mode of arguing, every antiquated
error, everv ridiculous fuperllition, may be defended. If this holds
i^ood, Satan gets his cloven foot again, which modern unbelief
had bereft him of. Thus Christian Thomasius aftcd un-
juftifiably, when he laid violent hands on witches and forcerers,
and put an end to their exiftence, though credited from the
higheft antiquity. If Thomasius imagines there were other
proofs, befides the Gipfies own aflertions, that they were
Egyptians, this conceit, not only has nothing to fupport it, but,
0^2 is
C ii6 )
Ckap. IV. is openly contradicted by Aventin, Kranz, and Muntster.
It is not authenticated, becaufe the chronicles univerfally mention
it as a (6) laying of the Gipfies, whenever they fpeak of their
-coming from Egypt. It is confuted by Aventin, who rejefts
their Egyptian defcent, at the fame time he alledges, that they
wiflied to be thought to (7) come from thence. In his time,
nothing was known concerning them, except what came from
their own mouths : and thofe who believed them to be Egyptians,
did It entirely on the credit of their word. This is coUefted,
with greater certainty, from Kranz and Mlinster; for thefe
'declare expreffly, that every thing which could be dlfcovered, by
any other means than their own aflertions, (8) contradifted rather
than confirmed their Egyptian defcent. Yet Thomasius has
more proofs; he cites the refemblance between the Gipfies and
the inhabitants of the LeiTer Egypt, from whence they fay they
came. But many people lay this difficulty in his way, that the
name of Lefler Egypt, is not to be foup.d in any fyftem of
Geography, but Is a mere (9) indention of the Gipfies. He
refts his opinion on that of Vulcanius, who looks upon Nubia
to be the LeflTer Egypt, and thinks, I do not know why, that the
Nubians themfelves, called their country (10) by that name.
Now the fimilarities confifl: herein. Nubians as well as Gipfies,
confcfs themfelves Chrlftlans, both lead a wandering life, and both
arc of a dark brown complexion. To which fome rcfemblances
in Ihapc between the Gipfies and Egyptians are introduced (11)
in general terms. Whether there be any affinity in their
'languages, he leav'es undetenrfined, becaule, lie fays, he knows
^i<z) nothiag about It. That the name of Zigeuner, is the fame
as
( i'7 )
R3 Egyptian, and the former is derived from the latter, he proves Ct.ip. TV.
in the following ingenious manner. The Spaniards, who inilead
of Egyptaner, call them Gitanos, have cur off the firft fyllable. "
Our forefathers who exceeded the Spaniards, in the art of
mangling names, have rejected two fyllables, and inftead of
Egyptianer, firft called them Cianer, afterwards, in order to fill
up the chafm between i and a, faid Cigancr. Further, as we,
inftead of Italianer fay Italiener, we have alfo changed Ciganer
into Cigener ; and at laft, as people in Upper Germany are very
fond of diphthongs, Cigeuner, or (13) Zigeuner has been pro-
duced. Now if any thing can be proved, by all this, in the
fame manner, the ieveral opinions, quoted in the former chapter
are likewife proved. And yet after all, who will fay, that inftead
of Egyptier, Egyptianer from whence Cianer, Ciganer, and
thus progreffively, through all the changes Zigeuner may be
produced ? With regard to the denomination of Lefler Egypt,
ranked under the lift of Gipfey fables, and brought as evidence
to overfet their whole fyftem, becaufe Egypt never was divided
into Greater and Smaller, it is neverthelefs a true Geographical
name : I allow it is not to be found in any treatife on Geography,
but 1 have met with it, in the title of a Turkilh Emperor.
A declaration of war, made by Achmet IV. againft John Cafimir
King of Poland in 1652, begins with the following words.
" J Sultan, a King and Son of the Turkilli Emperor, a foldier of
" tlie God of the Greeks and Babylonians King of the Greater
" "'''^ Lefer (i^) Egypt." Therefore the Gipfies have been fiilfely
accufed of a fiftion. But whether by this Leffer Egypt, Lower
Egypt, or any thing elfe be underftood, I cannot determine.
Salmon-
( lis )
Chap. IV. Salmon believes the Gipfies to be Mamalukes, who were
oblio-ed to quit Egypt, in 1517, when the Turkifh Emperor
conquered this country, and thereby put an (15) end to the
Circaffian government. They are reputed to have acquired the
name of Zigeuner, or in the Turkilb language ZInganies, from
a Captain Zinganeus, v/ho was very aftive in oppofmg the Turks.
How all this is proved, I fhall {hew, in his own words. " They
" had no occafion for any teftimony, to flievv they were of Egyptian
" defcent. The blacknefs of their fliin made it plain eno\igh,
"■ from what part they came. What confirms me, in my belief
" of this intellegencc, concerning the origin of the Gipfies, is an
" Aft of Parliament, paffed in the twenty feventh year of the
" reign of Henry VIII. that is, fourteen years after the viftory
' obtained by Selim, Emperor of the Turks, over Egypt ; in
" which are the following vVords. * IVbercas certain outlandiJJ:)
" feopl;, zvbo do not profefs any craft or trad', whereby to maintain
''' themfeli-cs ; but go about, in great numbers, from place to place ;
" v-Jing infidious underhand means, to impofe on his Majefly's fubjeEls,
" 'Making them believe, that they underfland the art of foretelling
'* to men and ivomen, their good or ill fortune, by looking in their
" hands; zvherebv they frequently defraud people of their tnoney ; like-
" zvife are guilty of thefts and highway robberies ; it is hereby ordered,
" that the fiid vagrants, commonly called Egyptians, in cafe they
" remain one month in the kingdom, flnill be proceeded againjl, as thieves
" and rafdls, and on the apprehenfton of any fuch Egyptian, he fialt
" forfeit £\o . . . fir every trefpfs." He then quotes another
aft,
* Note. — As (his quotation ftands in the body of the work, the Tranfljtor thought proper to give a
riteral tiandation of it, although it does not perfeflly ^.^xtt with the Aft, nor is th; date correft.
( i'9 )
ad:, pafled under Queen Elizabeth, wherein the GIpfies, are alfo Chan. ly.
called (i6) Egyptians.
Therefore from the blackncfs of their fkins, w itli the official life
of the name Egyptian, Salmon firft draws the inference, that
they were, really Egyptians : then, becaufc the fiiil decree,
publiflied againft the Giplies in England, was fourteen years after
Selim's conqucft of Egypt, that they were Mamaluk.es. There is
not any connexion, to be difcovered either in the one or the
other. The Parliament made ufe of the word Egyptian, in the
act, becaufe it was the one, univerfiUy, current in England.
Whether the Gipfies were, really, Egyptians, or no, was a
queftion of learning, that had nothing to do with the intention
of the order ; nor could it be determined, by any juridical decree.
There is ftill lefs reafon for his making them Mamalukcs, who
had travelled from Egypt, on its being taken by Selim in 1517,
and tracing their name from one of their leaders ; as both they,
and their name were known in Europe, at leaft an hundred years
preceeding the fall of Giiwry ; or before Tumanbai, the lateft
hope of the Mamalukes, was ( 1 7) hanged.
I proceed to Griselini, whofe reafons are the moft numerous
of any, and would certainly go a great way towards afccrtaining
the'Egyptian origin of the Gipfies, if, as in moil invefligations,
it did not depend more upon the quality, than the number of
the proofs. Yet he does not reckon them to be genuine Egyp-
tians, and for this reafon, becaufe t!ie grcateil number of thoie
refemblances, which he has fought between Egyptians and Gipfies,
intended to prove the latter dekcndcd from the former, are not
at all cafes in point. Befjdes, he finds himicif tmder the neceffitt .
of
( I20 )
Chap. IV. of looking for foreign helps, and what he cannot make out to be
Egyptian, among the Gipfies, he meets with among the jEthio-
pians and Troglodytes : thefe he introduces promifcuouily, kneads
the whole together, and determines the Gipfies to be a mixture of
^Ethiopians, ( 1 8) Egyptians, and Troglodytes. This very circum-
ftance, even before one hears his reafons, rendei-s the matter very
fufpicious. By the fame method, it would not be very difficult
to fhew, that the Italians are, in part, on account of their
naftinefs, Oftiacks ; in part, becaufe of their fuperftition, and
admiration of magnificent edifices, Egyptians ; and laftly, in
part, for their daftardly treacherous revenge, Ghinefe.
Griselini begins his comparifons, with the Difpofition of
the Gipfies. He fays, " They are inclined to melancholy,
and are defperate, in the firft emotions of their anger,
Ammianus Marcellinus defcribes the Egyptians, of his time,
in (19) much the fame terms."
" AVith regard to religion," he proceeds, " the Gipfies of the
IJanat always conform to the prevailing one, in the village, be
it Catholic or the lllyrlan Greek. They have not the leaft
comprehenfibn, either of the one, or the- other; in which
ignorance they perfedly refemble the Wallachians, — except
that they obferve the ftrid fafts of the Greek Church with
more exaftnefs. The Wallachians only feparate from their
wives, the laft days of the great fafts : the Gipfies, on the
contrary, do It, from the beginning to the end, alfo on the
Afcenfion of the Blefled Virgin, in Advent, and efpecially all
Vigils. Among other writers of Antiquity, Apuleius (20)
tflkes particular notice of the Egyptian fafls, whofe ftriftnefs
confifted
confiflcd chiefly in this, that the man held himfelf obliged to Chap. IV-
refrain from his confort's bed."
" But befidcs thefe folemn fafts, the Gipfies of the Banat,
obierve a degree of temperance, and a choice in their diet, even
on thofe days when all kinds of food are permitted. They abftain
from frogs and tortoifes, wherein they accord with the Wallachians,
Raizes, and other Chriftians of the Greek Church. Moreover,
they refrain from Ibme kinds of river fiih, viz. the red fcaled '
bream, perch, and lampreys ; of which forts it is known that the
Egyptians, the race of Likopolis and Tagaroriopolis refufed to
tafte. The Gipfies have likewife an averfion to all feathered game,
and particularly to birds of prey. The ftork is highly efteemed
among them, when he deigns to build on their wretched huts. — ■
One of thefe birds, which, like its relation Ibis, was an objeft of
worfliip, among other fymbolical Egyptian deities."
" Of four footed animals, the Gipfies are moft fond of fwine's
flefh, particularly faked. The Egyptians likewife confumed a
great number of thefe creatures, though they looked upon their
herds, and keepers to be unclean."
" The Gipfies hang up large onions in their dwellings, but do
not eat them. Befides, that the Egyptians (21) honored them,
as well as many other vegetables, we are informed by Diodorus
Siculus, that by the regulations, relating to diet, obferved in
the different Egyptian provinces, onions were prohibited in fome,
but allowed in others."
" The Gipfies, like the old Egyptians, cannot bear the fmell
of beans, although their neighbours, the Wallachians, eat them
with pleafure."
R " When
( 122 )
Chap. IV. " When I was at Denta, in the diftrid of Clakowa, curiofity
led me into a Gipfey hut. The firft thing which attraded my
attention, was a young man, covered with the itch, whofe mother
was feeding him with tlie boiled flefli of a fmall fnake, on a
dirty earthern plate. In the lame manner the Egyptians ufed
the flefh of fnakes, as the mildeft, and moft effedual remedy for
the elephantiafis."
" Every body knows that, even to this day, fowls and other
of the feathered kind, are hatched by art in Egypt. — I mull
confefs, I was not a little furprized in July 1775, as I went into
a Gipfey hut, before Karanfebes, to fee an old woman, who had
about forty goofe and ducks eggs, in horfe dung, to hatch. This
was exaftly the method of the old Egyptians."
" From all which has hitherto been produced, as well as that
the Gipfies of the Banat, and others difperfed over the reft of
Europe, declare themfelves to be Egyptians, it is highly probable
that this is really their origin. But fee a nearer refemblance.
So long ago, as in JEVmn's tinie, the Egyptians were famous
for their patience, in enduring all kinds of torture; and would
rather expire, on the rack, than be brought to (22) confeffion;
which is a ftriking trait of the Gipfies. When, this equivocal
method of coming at the truth, the torture, was praftifed, in
the Imperial Royal Hereditary Dominions, one remembers
feveral inftances, that Gipfies fuffered themfelves to be torn to
pieces, fooner than acknowledge crimes, even when the magiftrates
had the moft indifputable proofs of them."
Thus far has been to prove the Egyptian defcent of the
Gipfies. What follows is againft it, and, from the fimilarity of
their
( '23 )
their condition, is tp convince us that they arc of Ethiopian Chap, IV",
and Troglodytldi origin.
** According to the mod authentic writers, the Egyptians took
great pains, to build themfelves convenient habitations. They
lived decently, and their attention to cleanlinefs, in the obfervance
of certain mles of health, was fo general, that even the peafants,
and the lowell claffes of people in the nation, were no exception
to it. — The refidence of the Gipfies, in the Banat, prefents us
with a very different kind of pidlure. MIferable huts, confifting,
partly of thorns and draw packed together, and partly of holes,
ten or twelve feet deep, dug in the earth. — Taken in this point
of view, the Gipfies have more the appearance of being delated
to the hords of ^Ethiopians and Troglodytes."
" Among the ancient Egyptians, agriculture was In high
efteem ; as It fllll Is among the prefent Copts, their true defcen-
dants. — The Gipfies, on the contrary, are the worft, and moft
carelefs farmers that can be : another argument for their being
^Ethiopians and Troglodytes."
" Thefe, and other African hords, employ themfelves in
colleding gold out of the (23) river fand ; In like manner, the
Marofch, Nera, and other ftreams, have induced the Gipfies to
become goldwafhers."
" That unfettled way of life, and inclination for ftrolHng,
which the Egyptians were fo very averfe to, is the particular
propenfity of the Gipfies In general ; nor are thofe of the Banat
exempt from It."
" The more artful, particularly of the other fcx, go about
from houfe to houfe, where they tell fortunes, caft nativities,
R 2 difcover
( 1^4 )
" Cliap. IV. difcover thefts, and pretend they poffefs remedies, to which they
afcribe wonders and infallible cures. Thefe noftrums confift, chiefly
of roots, amulets, certain ftnall ftones, moftly a kind of fcoria.
Among the Egyptians, likewife, fuch impoftors rambled up and
■ down. Thefe were Jithiopians by defcent, who carried on pretty
much the fame trade."
" From the laft confiderations, compared with the former, one
would be inclined rather to deduce the origin of the Gipfies from
'the Ethiopians and Troglodytes, than from the Egyptians.
But what I am going to add, will make it more probable, that
they are a mixture of all the (24) three nations."
" It is well known, that people of both fexes, calling them-
■'fe'lves Egyptian priefls and prieftefles, were, in ancient times,
fcattered through Italy, Greece, and all the Provinces of the
Roman Empire : where they not only introduced the worfhip
of the Goddefs Ifis, but wandered from place to place, begged,
and profelled the fame kinds of ingenuity, in which the Gipfies
■of the Banat, and the reft of their brethren, difperfed over Europe,
are fo thoroughly verfed. Thefe faid priefts and prieftefles, which
Apuleius, ironically calls magnae rellgionis fidera, (25) not
only knocked at people's doors, in Rome, with their fiftris, but
even had the Ikill to perfuade the common people, that to refufe
them alms, or to commit facrilege, was equally heinous. They
even went fo far as to threaten thofe, who flighted them, in the
name of their Goddefs Ifis, to ftrike them with blindnefs, or
the tympany (hydrops tympanites). — Aventin fays, the Gipfies
could fo terrify the people in Bavaria, with the like threats,
that they fufFered themfelves to be robbed by them with impunity.
Likewiie
Likewife in the Banat, one hears tlie womch, particularly, Chap. IV..
vent the mofl horrid curfes and imprecations, if they are
reprimanded, or not paid for their calculations of nativities, finging,
or fortune telling."
" The licentioufnefs and immorality of the Gipfies is extreme.
In early youth, when yet young girls, they exhibit themfelves,
with their dances, before every perfon, from whom they expeft
any prefent ; and thefe dances always end in lafclvious attitudes
and fhameful gefhires, expofmg thofe parts, which even the moft
■uncultivated, uncivilized people, from fonie remaining fenfe of
decency, keep concealed. In like manner, the ordinary women
in Egypt, ufed to dance at their Orgies, efpecially at the
:feaft of Buboftes, and the proceffion of Canopus. The like
fcenes appeared at Rome, among tlie wives, daughters, and
fponfors of the priefts of Ifis, agreeable to the myfleries of that
Goddefs."
After all this Griselini comes to the point. " To what
nation did thefe priefts and priefteffes belong ? And when did their
•emigration happen?"
" It was after the time of Auguftus," he fays, " that they
began to wander, through the different parts of Europe ; in every
■diftrict, of which, they endeavoured to fpread the worfliip of Ifis.
They praftifed Aftrology, and other kinds of fuperftition, par-
ticularly all forts of vagrants tricks, pretty much in the fame
manner, as the Gipfies, of our age, deceive people."
" Now it is known, that the Egyptian priefts had ftated
incomes, from appropriated lands, which circumftance attached
them to their native country, they hated an unfcltled life.
Neither
C 1^6 )
Chap. IV. Neither did they defire to make profelytes, fo that ftrangers, v\'ho'.
wilhed • to be initiated, into the rites and myfteries of Ifis, were
obliged to fubmit to be circumcifed ; this ceremony was-,
indifpenfible ; on the contrary, the beforementioned priefts of Ifis^
wandering about the Roman provinces, never mentioned a word
of circumcifion to their new converts. Very fenfible critics have
produced palpable evidence, that they were Ethiopians and (26)
Troglodytes, who could the more ealily pafs for Egyptians, as.
their features, peribns, cuftoms and religion were the fame."
" Of all the writers, who mention thefe emigrations, from
Egypt, into Italy, Greece, and every quarter of the globe, which
was known in the time of the Romans, I fhall refer only to
Heliodorus. It is very pofTible, that, fometimes, real Egyptians-
might be mixed with thefe wanderers ; who had been driven by
misfortunes, from their native country, or perhaps, fome of the
-very loweft rank of people, who had nothing to lofe. From
this mixture of Ethiopians, Troglodytes, and Egyptians, then,
fprang a diftinft wandering people, which partakes, in fome
meafure, of all the three nations, and from which, according to
the foregoing obfervations, we may reafonably conclude the
Gipfies, of our time, to be defcended ; as in all of them we
difcover, fometimes the Troglodyte, fometimes the Ethiopian,
and', fometimes the Egyptian."
" That no mention is made of them, in the Hungarian yearly-
publications, before the year 141 7, is by no means a proof, that:
they were not known, long before, both in that Kingdom and
the Banat. If we admit the Roman coins, which are dug out of
the earth, as proof that the Romans have been inhabitants of any
place,.
( 127 )
place, without: the concurrent tcftimony of any hiftorian ; we are Chap. IV.
juft as well authorifed to admit the little Egyptian idols, of bronze,
which are dug up near them in the Banat, as proof for the Gipfies.
Being dilperfed, all over the Roman conquefls, why might they
not as well, when Dacia became a province, have gone there
likewife, and propagated the worlhip of His, Anubis, and other
Egyptian Deities the fame (27) as in Italy."
Thele are Mr. Griselini's arguments, ftated very diffufely,
as they may be found in his works. I have given them fo much
at large, not merely with a view of following them with as copious
a confutation ; but more particularly to put myfelf out of the
reach of confutatrion : as I am convinced, that, what he adduces,
in fupport of his argument, is a direft proof that it cannot be
proved. Suppofing any perfon charitable enough, to allow there
is good argument in his far fetched fimilarities ; y^t the circum-
ftance, that neither in the Hungarian, nor in any other Journals,
the leaft notice is taken, of Gipfies, before the year 141 7, would
overfet the whole again. Griselini felt this himfelf, but what
he urges in reply, is no anfwer to the objedion. Nor is it at all
juft, that the Roman coins, found in the Banat, fliould be efteemed
without concurrent teftimony, a proof of the Romans having formerly
dwelt there. German crowns, are, as Mr. Niebuhr informs us, the
chief current coin in Yemen, (Arabia Felix) and great numbers are
yearly fent thither for coffee. If fome time hence, when things are
entirely changed, the faid German money ITiould be dug up, would
any hiftorical writer have afferted a tnith, when he wiflied°to perfuade
his cotemporarles, that Arabia ^Felix had formerly been inhabited
by Germans ! But I iliall not enter into any confutation, that
being
C J 28- )•
Chap. IV. being already doiie in a very able manner by anotkefj
Mr. SiiLZER. (28) Y'et a few hints, with refpeit to
Mr.. Griselini's mode of proceeding, ftrike me in fo forcible
a manner, that 1 cannot forbear to communicate them.
He builds chiefly upon certain fimilarities, between the Giplies,
Egyptians, and ^Ethiopians, without reflecting whether they are
diftindions peculiar to thefe people only. Of this fort are, for
example, that tlie Gipfies muft be Troglodytes and ^Ethiopians, .
becaufe they follow the employment of goldwafliing, and thefe
latter, as well as feme of the African hords, do the lame in their
rivers which produce gold; or when he makes them Egyptians,
becaufe they eat fwine's flefli, or finally, that they muft be priefts
of Ifis, becaufe they grumble violently againft the hard hearted,
who refufe the boon they afk. Are thefe then things, which,
none but Egyptians and /Ethiopians have in common with the
Gipfies? Is it neceflary to recur back to the Egyptians, to find
people, befides Gipfies, who eat pork ? Or to the priefl:s of Ifis,
for fturdy beggars ? And, with regard to goldwafliers, how
came he not to recolleft, that the Wallachians alfo, follow this
employment ? And that near Strafijurg, befides other places,
hundreds of people, who are nothing lefs than Gipfies, get their
living by it.
Further, the faid Mr. Griselini, in order to render his
fyftem the more plaufible, has made ufe of certain expedients, at
the expence of truth; and, in fpite of all experience to the
contrary, fo modelled the properties of the Gipfies, as to make
them appear compleat Egyptian?.. He makes them, by nature,
inclined to melancholy, whereas . their difpofitions have not the
leaft
( 129 )
ieafl: tincture of it : they arc dclcribed as mod conft;ientioufly, Chap. IV.
nay, rather fuperftitiouflj'', attached to religious cuftoms ; and yet,
according to the univerfal teftiniony of other obfervers of thefe
people, they have not their equals, for indilFerence concerning
every thing at all connefled with religion. Me pronounces
them avcrfc to eating onions ; and as for beans, they abhor them,
whereas Sulzer was a witnefs, how much they liked the flavor
of both. If people will go on at this rate, every thing may be
made to anfwer every purpofe. But woe to the records, and
hiftories, which are ufed in this manner.
From what has been treated hitherto, we fee the Egyptian
defcent of the Gipfics nothing lefs than proved ; notwithflanding
it was fo generally credited, and even is to this day. It is really
to be lamented, for had they originated from Egypt, care was
taken that we fhould know, what kind of people they had been
in that country. It is related very confidently, and to our great
edification, that their forefathers were the fame forcerers, who
imitated Mofes's miracles, in the prefence of Pharoah. More-
over this King, likewife, fet thefe people as tafkmafters, over the
Children of Ifrael, in order to make their labor grievous to
them. And, finally, thefe were the very murderers, employed
by the inhuman Herod, to perpetrate his cruelty on the children
of Bethlehem. This kind of dreaming fias been carried further,
it having been calculated, to what degree of indolence thefe
people had accuftomed themfelves, in- Egypt, living by the labor
and fweat of others. Afterwards, when, contrary to expectation,
the Children of Ifrael efcaped from their fervitude ; the lucrative
advantage of thefe oveifeers, of courfe, had an end. Inftead of
S reconciling
0
5
( I30 )
Chap. IV„ reconciling tliemfelvcs to employment, they rather cliofe to pack
off, with goods, wives, and children, leaving Egypt, in order,
by cunning and fraud, to procure an eafier fubfiftance in foreign
countries. They purfued this fliameful courfe of life, through
the following centuries, and have, at laft, puflied their excurfions
into our territories. (29)
It is not enougli, that the Egyptian defcent of thefe people
is entirely deftitute of proofs, but, on the other fide, the moft
pofitive proof is to be found, to contradi6l it. Their language
differs (30) entirely from the Coptic, and their cuftoms, as (31)
Ahasuerus Fritsch has remarked, are nothing lefs than
Egyptian. To this muft be added that weighty circumftance, of
their wandering about like ftrangers in Egypt, where they form
a diftinft people; as not only (32) Bellonius, but many later
(33) writers affure us. Therefore, Muratori is not in the
■wrong, when he thinks it ridiculous to account them (34)
Egyptians, people having no better authority for this belief,
than that they chofe to have it fo.
Thus it {lands, as well with the derivation of the Gipfies in
general, as with the Egyptian defcent of them in particular.
AVhen many, and among thefe, men very refpeftable for their
learning, declare the origin of thefe people, to remain an unfolved
riddle, this opinion is, I think, by the contents of tliis and the
foregoing chapter, thoroughly confirmed. Notwithftanding the
innumerable refearches, the -Gipfies ftill remain an unacknowledged
inmate in Europe.
I have, neverthelefs, my doubts, whether Swinburne is quite
right, in ailerting it to be impoffible, ever to find (;^:;) out the
real
( I^I )
real home of thefe ftrangers. I venture, though not without Chap. IV,
apprehenfion, on account of the unfuccefsful endeavors of fo
many authors, yet not entirely without hopes, on another trial.
Perhaps I may be fo fortunate, at the fame time to flicw, that my
doubts, with refpeft to Swinburne's publication, were not entirely
without foundation.
CHAPTER V.
'Thi; Gipfcs come from Htndojlan.
A W O entire ftrangers will be able to know each other, the
moment one fpeaks in a language which the other underftands.
It is therefore rightly aflcrted by an author, that it would be
one of the moft Infallible methods of afcertaining the origin of
thefe people with certainty, if a country could be difcoverpd,
where their language was in common ufe. The firft and mofb
neceflary examination, here, will therefore be to find out the
country, where the Gipfies language is that of the natives : and
this is no other than Hi n dost an. But before I endeavor to prove
it, by a comparifon of the Hindoftan and Gipfey languages,
I muft premife fomething, which will ferve as an introduftion
of confiderable weight. It is a piece of intelligence, to be found,
in the Vienna Gazette, and comes from a Captain Szekely
von Dob A, a man, who was thinking of nothing lefs, than
fearching for the Gipfies and their language in the Eaffc
Indies.
S a Here
C 132 )
•G!-rap. V. Here it is: " In the year 1763 on the 6th of November,"
fays Captain (i) Szekely, " a printer came to fee me, whofe
jiame was Stephan Pap Szathmar Nemethi. Talking
upon various fubjefts ; we, at laft, fell upon that of the Gipfies :
on this occafion, my gueft related to me the following anecdote,
from the mouth of a preacher of the reformed cliurch, Stephen
Vali, at Almafch in the county of Komora. When the faid
Yali, ftudied at the Univerfity of Leiden, he was Intimately
acquainted with fome young Malabars, of which, three are obliged
conftantly to ftudy there, nor can they return home, till relieved
by three others. Having obferved, that their native language
bore a great affinity to that fpoken by the Gipfies ; he availed
himfelf of the opportunity, to note down, from themfelves,
upwards of one thoufand words, together with their fignifications.
They alTured him, at the fame time, that upon their ifland, was
a tracfl of land, or province, called Czigania (but it is not laid
down on the map). After Vali was returned from the Univerfity,
he informed himfelf, among the Raber Gipfies, concerning the
meaning of his Malabar words, which they explained wkhout
trouble or hefitation."
In thii> anecdote, every thing feems to happen by chance;
even to the learned man who publiflied it in the Gazette, it
appeared as if fallen from the clouds, (2) and entirely overfets
his fyflem ; for he was the perfon, mentioned above, who
broached the opinion of the Gipfies being Mongol Tartars. So
m;ich more weighty, therefore, and unexceptionable, are the hints
it throws out, for the difcovery of the Gipfies, mother country,
by means of their language.
That
( 133 )
That further, according to this anecdote, the Gipfey language Chap. V»
is declared to be Malabar, and I have pronounced it Hindoftan,
does not create any difficulty, although they are very different
from each other. Probably the three young men, from whom Vali
took down his words, were Bramins fons, whofe language was
that proper to the learned Bramins, or the Shanfcritt. But
the affinity between this and the common language, fpoken by
the people of Hindoftan is the fame as between pure Latin and
modern Italian. It was therefore very natural, that the Raber
Gipfies fliould underftand, if not all, at leaft the greateft part of
the words, which Vali repeated to them.
Neverthelefs, we do not want this come off. The difficulty
will fubfide without it, when I come to examine the connexion
between the Gipfey and Hindoftan languages. The next thing
therefore, is to give a lift of words from both.
Here follows the LIST:
Numerals.
Gipfey. Hindoftan. Englifli.
M; Ek ■ Ek One
Duj; Doj Dk Two
■Trin; I'ri Tin Three
Schtari Star Tfchar Four
Pantfch; Panfch ^ Fanfch Five
Tfchowe; Schow, Sof Tfcho Six
Eft a Heft a; Sat Seven
Ochto Aute Eight
Knja; Eija Now Nine
Defch;
( '34 )
Chiip. V. Numerals.
Gipfcy. Hindoftan.
Dcfch; Des Dos; Dcs
Befch; Bifch; Bis Bjs
Trianda; Tranda Tjs
Starweldefch ; Saranda Tfchaljs
Pantfchwerdefch; ^ 7 p.^f^hafs
Panda Pontfandis ^
Tfchowerdefch;Schoandis Sytt
Eftawerdefch Syttr
Ochtovverdefch Afleh
Eijawerdefch ; Enjandis Nubbeh
Tfchel; Schel; Sel Souw
Duifchel; Delfchel
Defchwerfchel; Ekezeros Ek bazar; Hazar
O gluno ; a jekto
O duito ; a duito
O Trlto
O Schtarto-
Tziro
Berfch
.Manet :
Tichon
Dizves
Rall'i; Rait gin; Rat
Feizrile
Pajla
Dufera
Xjfera
Tfcharta
Nouns Substantive.
Wakht
Burz; Sal
Me'uia
Hefta
Dizv ; Rafe
Rat eh
Fazir ; Nur
EngllfiT..
Ten
Twenty
Thirty
Forty
Fifty
Sixty
Seventy
Eighty
Ninety
Hundred
Two Hundred
Thoufand
Thefirft
The Second
The Third
The Fourth
Time
A Year
A Month
A Week
Day
Night
Morning:
Ratti
J 5
NoL'NS SuBSTATTVE.
Gipfcy.
Hindoftan.
Englilli.
Ratti
Evcnins;
Knrko
Etwar
Sunday
Doga
Tfchis
An Affair; a Thing
Kak
Tulad; Rykem
The Sex
Arti
Zatt
The Sort
Gofivro
Gi<f!ur; Moffikj
The Manner
Jck; Otter
Tfchan; Tukra
A Piece
Gin
Adadali
The Number
Dewe; Dewel; Dexi'ol;!
Khoda; Allah
God
Dezda
J
Deuzv
Dcuzv; Muret
An Idol
Bollopen; Boliben
Dune
The World
Mulro
Dumni
The Spirit
Sie; Wode
Jan
The Soul
Triipo; Telchta
Dhj; Ang; Hal
The Body
Shwcto ; Tlcherofz
Behefcht; Afman
Heaven
Tfer henj e ; Tfchef henj a
Tara
A Star
dham ; Ca>n ; Okam
Kam; Surez
The Sun
.?cZ''o«;Tfchemut;Mrarchj
I Tfiband
The Moon
Prabal
How ah
The Air
Jag; Jak; Jage
A?
Fire
Panj; Panjo
Panj
Water
Pu; Bhu;Pube; E]
lebu
Zemin
The Earth
Balwal, Bear
Beiar; Batas
The Wind
Felhocfchnodi
Baddel
A Cloud
Felhelchinc
Bjdfchelj
Lightning:
Tfchetogalch
Chap. V.
Chap, V.
C 136 >
Nouns Substantive.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
EngHfli.
Tfchetogafch
Meg
Thunder
Gwittrolo
Jivve
Snow
Brifchint; Brechinib
Birrfat
Rain
Mrafcha; Ofcb
Kohaffa,-
OJh
The Dew
Jeko; Paho
Ice
Koeddo
Kohafla ;
Kohol
Fog
Temm
Muluk
The Soil
j^kra
Maidan.
The Field
Hedjo
Pahr
A Mountain
Bar
Pytter; Kaja
A Hillock
Dombo
A Hillock
Gere; Wermo
Gerrab
A Pit
Wefch
DjP
An Ifland
Epas; Wefch
Peninfula
Baro Pani
Deriauw
The Ocean
Sero
Dfchjl
The Sea
Pleme
A Wave
Kunara; Parra
Kinerj
The Shore
Talo Panj; Pofchi
Tfchata
Morafs; Slough
Hani; Foljafi
Pohara
A Spring
Hanj; Hanik
Hmh; Koka
A Well
Talk
tallauzu
A Dike
Flammus
Tjhi; Lu
Flame
Jangar; Angar
Koyla
Coal
Mommli; Mvimeli'
Batthj
Light
Schik
c 137 ;
Not'Ns Substantive.
Gipfey.
Hindollan.
Encrlifh
0
Schik
Moil
Mud
Tlchar; Djiplo
Rag; Bovvus
Afhes
Mefcho
Tfcuna
Chalk
Bala
Bull; Rith
Sand
Bare; Bar
Sanka;
Pytter
Stone
WahUn; Tcheklo
Beli'Ji
Glafs
Jegekoro bar
Patter
Flint ftonc
Afchpin; Homokori
Whetftonc
Sonnai;Sonmkey; Sihom-
■nakai
" ' . Suna
Gold
Rup
Tzafter; Trafcht
Ruppa
Luha
Silver
Iron
Tfchino
Kclley
Tin
MoUhvo
Mulwa ;
Sjfcha
Lead
Tzindo rup
Parrat
Quickfilver
Lohn; Lori
Nun
Salt
Lonkeren
Sura
Saltpetre
Kandini momelli
Genden
Sulphur
Zhach; Scha
Herbs
Char; Tfchar; Wira
Gas
Grafs
Rozho
Rye
Jlv
G'luw
Wheat
Gib; Arpa
Tzirja; Pura
Jou
Ljfun
Barley
Garlick
Purum; Lolipurum
Peiaz
Onion
Schach
Kubj
Cabbage
trhap. V.
Hirhil
Chap. V.
C T58 )
Nouns Substantive,
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
EngKfh.
Hirhil
Mytter
Peas
Dudum
Hulla
A Gpurd
Herbuzho
Terbus
A Melon
Boborka
Blrka
A Cucumber
Muri
A Strawberry
Karro
A Thiftle
Rftk
Garfch
A Tree
Balano mako
The Oak
Kirgifsakro ruk
A Cherry Tree ,
Pabuj
Pazvug', Sjuw
An Apple
Brohl
Prohlo
A Pear
Kirgiffin
A Cherry
Pehenda
A Nut
Tc'lel
Januwr
ABeaft
Kirmo
Kentfchuwa..
A Worm
Rezh
Rijfem
Silk
Birlin
Mumukkj; Sdjehetkj
i A Bee
Jerni
Mum
Wax
Gwju; Mefcho-
Schahed
Honey
Kirja
Kir 01 Tfchontj
An Ant
Jua; 'tzua
Juj
A Loufe
Puzhum; Pufchan
Pjfche
A Flea
Hai; Karodi
A Crawfifli.
Tzefniakro ; Matfchii ; | ^^^^^y^i/i
Fifli
Matfcho; Mulp,
i
Alo
Bam
An Eel
T/chririkU
( 139 )
NouKs Sui:stanti\t:.
"Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Engllih.
Tfchirikli; Tfchhiklo
tfchuri
A Bird
Tfchirikloro
A Small Bird
Wiknia
A Falcon
Bifchothilo
Ghido
The Eagle
Papin; Papim; Papi
Hans
A Goofe
Hiretza; Retfchori
Buttush
A Duck
"tovadei
rubbuter,Tic\\QX.{d\V
j A Dove
Jaros; Garum
Unnda
An Egg
Parae Jari
White Eggs
Baro peng ; Orofchlana
Sjr; Sjng
The Lion
Matlchka;Gifterna;Stirna
A Cat
Ru
Bir'a; Hundar
A Wolf
Jukel ; Tzukel; . Juket; ■
Tfchokel; Schokel; -
Kuttha
A Dog
Tfchikel
Schofchi; Tfihofcbai
Sajfa; Khurr
A Hare
Papinori
Bauer
An Ape
Gra; Grea; KreJ
Gorra; Ghaffi
A Hoife
Gratfch; Grajl
Gorra
A Stallion
GrafnJ; Grafckni
Gorrj
A Mare
Dernagrefch
Batfcheru
A Foal
Gurrub; Gvsu; Gitrni
Gorna; Boil
An Ox
Guruni; Kircumni; ■
Gurongatfch !
Giij; Borjuko
A Cow
Warjuhilo
Batfchera
T 2
A Calf
Ba
Chap- V.
C 140 )
Ckap. V.
Nouns Substantive.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englim,
Baker a; Bakra; Bakro
Bhjra; Bhjri
J A Sheep
Meudha; Mendh:
Bakero; Bhara dohWo
Mendhj batfcha
A Lamb
IVakro; Bakro;
7
V
A Wether
Upritudlilom
Jefchingingri ; Ketfchka Bukkrj
A Goat
Bi'.kra
A He Goat
Bah; Bala
Pala; Sur
A Swine
Bikarifch krohilo
Stir
A Boar
Ballitfchi; Bali
A Sow
Balora
Surbatfcha
A Pig
Djanba
Beng; Mendowk
A Frog
r/ap
Sarap
A Snake
Beng
Guddj
A Dragon .
Kazht; Karfcht
Lakerj
Wood
Tfchjlka; BorJca
Tfchal
The Bark
Patrin
Fat
A Leaf
Peperi
Mirritz
Pepper
Bal; Pal
Bal
The Hair
Puzhum
Ojr
Wool
Pori
Dum
The Tail
Rat
Lohu
Blood
Tid
Dhud
Milk
Kjl
Kel; Mukken
Butter
Kiral; Chiral; Kkis
Panjr
Cheefe
fuio.
r/chjR
Fat
Sivii
( MI )
Nouns Substantiv
Gipfey, Hindoflan.
Szva Afifii
Mas; Mafz Ghoft
I'fchero; Schero; Cheru Ser
Aok ; Jaok ; Jaka; Po; Aran Awk
Kan Kazan
Nak Nakk
tfcham Gal
'fchammedun Thori
'tfchomni
ffchor Dharri
Mut; Moi Mu
Dam Dant
ffchib; tfcheh JM
Men Gerdhcn; GiJla
Dummo Pitch
Andririk Terrik
Gew; Buhl Tfchutter
Keliii Tfchatti
Per Pireh
Mofiln; Mucia Bhan; Hatch
Waft; Wafs Hatch
Kuzhilo;Guzhdo; Giifto Awngli
Ghazdd; Paltzo Anguta
Heroi Tingeri
2iro Par; Pauw
Tfihajiga Gunga
E,
Chap, V.
Englifl).
A Tear
Flefti
The Head
The Eye
The Ear
The Nofe
The Cheek
A Slap on the Face
The Chin
The Beard
The Mouth
A Tooth
The Tongue
The Neck
The Back
The Side
The Behind
The Breall
The Belly
The Arm
The Hand
A Finger
The Thumb
The Leg
The Foot
The Knee
NaJ
( H^ )
Chnp. v:.
Nouns Substantive,
•Cipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englillu
Naj
Nouh
A Finger Nail
Sie; Si
Djl
The Heart
Buko
Sjiger
The Liver
Buchlipen
Jagga
A Place
Rundo
Nala
A Diftria
Gel>
Gibah; Tfched
A Hole
But; Behjr
Pot
A Multitude
Pifta
Toro
A Scarcity
Lowe; Lowe
Peyffa
Money
Libra
Sere
A Pound
Kuni; Kani
An Ell
Jemia; Miga
Kofs
A Mile
£uda; Pumna
Potdjm
Age
^fchiwawa
Tiirju; Ratbhah
Life
Rikewela
Ehad
The Memory
Sunjo
Sunnj
The Hearing
Sung
Sunkh
The Smell
Sik
Tfchik
The Tafte
Rakerpen; Rakribenn ^at; Juvanj
Tfchip 3 '
The Speech
Lab; Alo
Bat; Kelam
A Word
Nao; Lawe
Norn
A Name
Liel
Khutt
An Epiftl-e
Buchos
Ketab
A Book
Schin
Rengeh
Color
Schnablus
The bill (of a Bird)
Ptd;
C '43 )
Nouns Substantive.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englifh^
Pul; Pos
Pual
Straw
Baxt
Bukktj
Fortune
Droninazhedum
Aheb; Tiffauti
Error
Sik
Minet
Diligence -
Mcrla
Mordanj; Mot
Death
Bkb
Buk
Hunger
Truzhilo
Peas
Thirft
Sentinella
Para; Tfchokkj
Watching
Sowawa
Njn; Khab
Sleep
Duk
Dirk
Smart
Doko
Dumm •
The Breath
Gha$
Kafsj
A Cough
Butin
Kar; Kam-
Labor
Mufkatella
Mekljm
Balfam
Tfchinneben
Zukhmj ; Gatel
A Wound
Ker
Gurr; Havelj
An Houfc
^fchater; Chor
"Tfchaler
A Tent; Roof.
Gadfi
Kajfi; Juru
A Wife
Tfchowo ; Tfchabo
Lirrka
A Child
Tfche; Tfchaj
Tfchuknj -
A Girl
Tfchabe; 'Tfcbawo
1'jchokna
A Boy
Tfchek
Tfcbekerm -■
A Virgin
Rackljo
A Young Man
Kflcksji
A Young T .ady
Dade; Dadi
Bab
A Father
Dada; Nana
A Grandfather
Diap. v.
Daj;
( '44 )
Chap. V.
Gipfey,
Daj ; Daju ; Dajo
Mami
Tfchawo ; Scliave
Tfchaj ; Scliaj
Tlchakrorum
Kako
Dades Krupral
Dades Kripen
Pewli
Veleto
Rakli
Wirthus
Werda
Sikerwawa
Putzjum
Pen
Mangawa
Schegari ; Sidah
Wezhefkro
KclUpen
Tfchilhiman
Schetra
1'fchorori
Drum
Jangujlri ; Gojlrlng ;
Gufdcrin
Nouns Substantive.
Hindofian.
Ma
Beth
Bethj
Jamwatfch
Tlche-tfclierabhais
Tfchatfcha
Tfchatfchi
Rhenduj ; Rand
Noker; Tfchakcr
Tfchakeriii
Gurkka-Suheb
Seratfch; Khara
Talima
Sowal
Bjn ; Jivab
Urrizi
Scheggar
Kele; Notfch
Serinda
Tfcbcrjji; Konkatj
Mufafferj
Angtitri
]
Englifn.
A Mother
A Grandmother
A Son
A Daughter
Son-in-law
Coufin
Father's Brother
Father's Sifter
A Widow
Man Servant
Maid Servant
A Landlord
An Inn
Learning;Inftru(ftion
A Queftion
An Anfwer
A Petition
The Chafe
A Huntfman
A Game
A Guitar
A Violin
Poverty
A Voyage; Journey
A Ring
Tower ;
Gipfey.
Tower; Tobcr
Pal
Bechari
Tfchupn't
Tfchor
tfchordas
Goro ; Chaduin
Pleiflerdum
Tfchatfcho
Pan ; Birdcv
Tchumoben
Dori
( H5 )
Nouns Svbstantive,
Hindoftan.
Kulhari
Mes, Tukhta
Piala; Tfchasj
Tfcbabuld
Tfchur
1'fchurj
Dhoro; Krjs
Mafuri
Jnfaf; Sjera
Chap. \\
, Englim.
An Ax; A BiU
A Board
A Cup.
A Whip
A Thief
A Theft ■
A Sword ; Dagger
A Reward
Right
Bharr;Birz;74\\mm3. Weight; Burthen
^fckuma
Sutlj; Fjtha;
Manru; Maro; MaUim Rutj
Jaro; Aro Ata; Moidda
Gaben
Kjl
Rdjii; Rajah
Ranj
Raz
Buklo
Kuroben; iCugriben
Kutwnafkro
Kuromangri
Ritteri
Harrai
Pufchka; Baiiduk
AKife
A Band
Bread
Meal
Food; Eatables
Butter
TheLord;ThePrince
The Princefs
The Principality
ACaflle
War
Gardj; Tfcholdar A Warrior; A Soldier
Infantry
Cuiraffiers
Hattiar A Brcaftplate
Sanduk A Muiket
U Gmuzv^,
Konna
Mukken
Raja
Raji
Raz; Surdarl
Koluff
Jungro
( 146 )
Xhap. V.
Nouns Substantive.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englifli.
I J
Gaue; Gal; Jegag
Gauw; Bufti
AVillage;AHamlet
'tombuH
1'umbur
A Drum
Kandini momelli
Gendett
Brimftone
nu
Dhuah
Smoak
Paka
Bofu
The Wing
Palmande
Mufaka
The Rear
Romm; Manufch;
cMurd; Manufch;
t Adaml
'. Man, Mankind
Gadze
Jammadar
Surrdar
Commander
Wefch
Jungel
A Wood ; Foreft
Jagari; Wezhifkro
A Forefter
Klufturi
Takkor bar
A Cloifter
Kangri; Kangheri
Mufizam
A Church
Ijha
Ifchba; Kuterj
Apartment;Chamber
Skaurnin
Tfchukire
A Chair
Kambana
Guiitha Ghittal
A Bell
Gowr
Kibr
The Grave
Doga
Tfchjs
The Matter
Nani kek
Quotfch-netlch
Nobody-
Schvit
Sirrka
Vinegar
Ker; Baua
Havelj ; Emarat
An Edifice
Klidin
Tfchabj; Kill
A Key
Bangoklidin
Picklock
GuUub; Chalu; Kalfchis
Breeches
Schofte
Petfchamma
Drawers
Jioro
Kurti
A Coat
Kuni
C H7 )
Nouns Substative,
Gipfe)'.
Hindoftan.
EngUni.
Kmi
Map; Kejafa
A Mcafure
Kutiah
^ A Corner
Schukkerben
" Beauty
Kutfchahu
Kitfeh
Potter's Clay
Brija
Soup
Goji
Goig
A Saufage
Mol
Angiir; Schrab
Wine
Gereta
Karamitti
Chalk
$apuni
Savin
Soap
Kammawa
Guna
Accufation; Debt
Gono
Kifla ..i>y A
A Knapflick
Por ; For
Purr; For
A Feather
Madjho; Matzlin
Mudkj
Adjectives.
A Fly
Schoker
Jflekta; Hakabat
Refpedable
Puro
Pur ana ; Buda
Old
Dumino
Pagia
Simple
Prinjerdo
Tfchinta
Known
Nango
Nenga
Bare
Nanilalfchj Erio
Budd; Khrab
Wicked
Bulhaila
Tfchaura
Broad
Duber-y Aduito
Duara
Double
Sam
Schano; Pittla
Thin
Tfchori ropen
Kambvikht
U a
Miferable
Chap. V,
( h8 )
Cho.p. V.
Adjectives.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
£nglifh.
JJeBn
Ekara
Single
Tfchimafter
Netko; Kemed
Eternal
Latfchila; Wingro
Juta
Falfe
Tanilo
Nerafla
Dark
Piro
Kalafcli
Free
Zelo
Sumutfcha
Entire
£aro
Burra
Great
Latfcho
Bala
Good
Tfchorero
Budd-/Krfit
Ugly, Hateful
Pral
Unfcha
High
Boko
Buka
Hungry
Bango
Benka; Tera
Crooked
tikno ; Tigno
Tengna
Short
Bango
Lingra; Afrara
Lame
Lokes ; Bctfchuker
Djla ; Derrtfchka
Slow
Sorb
Jeura
Powerful
Kindo
Binga
Wet
Neva
Naia
New
Barwello
Matwir; Talivirr
Rich
JCalo; Kala
Kala; Sjah
Black
Mitfchach
Tik
Severe
Bharahib
Barri
Heavy
Gudlo
Mitha
Sweet
Gar
Gehera
Deep
Merla; Mojas
Mua; Whakka
Dead
Schukrohik
Snkka
Dry
Gojemen
( 149 )
Adjectives.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
EngUHi.
Gojemen
Kuffa
Arrogant
But
Bot ; Fatta
Much
Perdo
Piirra ; Bharra
Full
MalTob
Kaberdar
Watchful
Tfcha
Sutfcha
True
Tatco ; Tatip
Gorm
Warm
Parna
Saffed; Vjela
White ' •';;
Diir
T'fchaura
Far
Nanelefkekfi
Tichimmero
Verbs.
Tough
Riokerwawa
Mul-kurrna
To efteem
Wias
Pontfchna
To arrive
Kovokardas
Luggauna
To entice
Tfchindas
Schina-kunm
To charge
Pekgum
TzmhmmQ-pvMaHiia
To bake
Tfchjl
Hjlna
Tofhake
Mangawa
Mangna
To beg
Gohena
C Bjramet-kurrna;
Ito cheat
\ Daha kurrna
s
Catfchole
It burns
Pakjum
Turauna
To break
Bandopen
Bandna
To bind
Lubekirdaspas
Zanakarikurrna
To commit adultery
Pral
Derkarhuna
To be poor
Pretterdvim
Dantna
To threaten
'tfchcrodi&
Chap. V.
C ^50 )
Chap. V.
Verbs.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englifh,
'Tfcherodia ftele
S'lr-k.z.tra
To behead
Ferdo
Tchukauna; Bhunna
: To accompllfh
Stildum
Pukkerna; Bojena
To feize
Gana; Kha; Chabben; Hane. Kauna
To eat
Androflafter kordo
Zinjir; Luggauna
To fetter
Nafch
Tfchpjia
To flow
Jarawe
I fear
Jirrna ; Dirrhuna
To fear
Mutenvaxi'a
Mutna
To make water
Bango
Lingra huna
To halt (go lame)
Getfchaha
Jauna
To go any where
Gkas
Kajft kurrna
To cough
Nazh
Schegar-kurrna
To hunt
Kindjelle
Mul-lena
To buy
Tfchiimauna
To kifs
TfchumeMe
She kifTes
Savva
Huflna
To laugh
Muk
Mukhfet Aawrrna.
To leave
Schiwawa; Befchefch
Jjna
To live
Tfcharawa
Tfchatna
To lick
Deletfchedomaii
Sulah-huna
To lie down
Gochoben
Jut bolena
To lye
Kerla
Kurrna
To make
Slwawa
Siwena
To few
Lawa
Lena; Pukkerna
To take
Nabe
Nomdena
To name
Tfchi-kurrna
( 151 )
Verbs.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Tfchi-kurrna
Engliai.
To fneeze
Tfchikatek
He fneezes
Barrejlro
Barretfch-\Mxm7i
To boaft
Sennelowifa
Djwana huna
To be mad ; to rave
Blrrfna
To rain
Dias brifchendo
It did rain
Zhiturjua
Ginna; Tikna
To reckon
Tfatfchoben
Jnfaf dena
To right one
Songawa; Sung
Sunkhna; Bokiirrna
, To fmell
Pennawa
Kabena; Bolena
To fay-
Tfchinnawa
Karat kurrna
To faw
Giuwazva
Guwena
To fing
Limmaugi
Kurrauna
To provide
Zamander; Zhafwawer
Kinder
' ' . Judda kurrna
To divide
Zhinger
Galljdena
To fcold
Karj
Urauna
To fhoot
Kuroben
Kaffa kurrna
To flay
Bezhawna; Bezh
Bahetfia
To fit
tfchor
Tfchure kurrna
Tofleal
Mujas; Miilo
Muena
To die
Mongna
Duntena
To feek
Hitfchazva; Lejatina
Lena
To carry
Luno
Zumma kurrna
To marry
Kurobtn
Marna
To meet
Piava; Pi
Plena
To drink
Chap. V.
Puro
■Chip,. V.
C 15a )
Verbs.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Engllfh,
Piro
JPuraim
To grow obfolete^
Latiakerjl
Benfchna
To iell
Tfchhma
To know
Me tfchana
I know
Tzawari
Jadu kurrna
To bewitch.
Dekkna
To fee
Me dikkaba
I faw
Sitna
To hear
'Nefchunek
I do not hear
Example 1
liow the two Languagi
es decline.
I. Without being joined with an Adjeftive,,
Singular Number.
I. Gadzo
Adami
A Man
2. Gzdzejlero
Adam//'tf
Of the Man.
3. GadzyXa
Adzmiko
To the Man
4. Gadzo
Adam/; Adam/j^i9
The Man
5. 0 Gadzo
0 Adami
0 Man
6. Gzdzejlar; Gadzefe
Ad-Ami fe
from, with the Mam
Plural Number.
»
I. Gadze
Adamjo«
Men
2. Gadze«^fro
Ad2iVn]onka
Of the Men
3. Gndzengo
Adzmpnko
To the Men
4. Gadze
Adamjfl/7; Adamjci«X'6
; The Men
5. 0 Gadze
0 Adamjo«
OMen
6^ G^dzcndar; Gadzen_/^ Adamjonfe
from, with the Men,
Singular
( 153 )
Singular Number.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englifh.
I.
Kafidi
Mes
The Table
2.
Knfidjakero
Meska
Of the Table
J'
Kafidj (?/(•?
Mes/'o
To the Table
4-
Kafidi
Mes; Mesy^o
The Table
5-
O Kafidi
OMes
O Table
6.
KuMjater; Ki
afidiy^ Mesfe
Plural Number,
from, with the!
I.
Kafidja
Mefe
The Tables
2.
Kafidja/(Yro
MeCcka
Of the Tables
0'
Kafidjen^^
Mekko
To the Tables
4-
Kafidja
Mefe ^ '
The Tables
5-
O Kafidja
O Mefe
O Tables
Chap, V.
6. Kafidjem/trrj Ka.Mja.fe Mefey^
from,witlj thcTables
1. Baru bale
2. Bari balis
3. Bari balis
4. Ban.1 balis
5. O Baru balis
2. With an Adjeftive.
Singular Number.
Burra fi^ir
Burra (vska
Burra {urko
Burra fiir
O burra fur
6. Bari haViJier; hsUisfe Burra Curfe
The great Hog
Of the great Hog
To the great Hog
The great Hog
O great Hog
f from, with the great
i Hog
Plural
Chap. V.
Plural Number
Gipfe}'.
Hindoftan.
I.
Baiu balen
Burre fure
2.
Bari balen
Burre (urel-a
Bari balen
Burre (ureko
4-
Baru balen
Burre fure
5-
O baru balen
O Burre fure
Englifli.
The great Hogs
Of the great Hogs
To the great Hogs
The great Hogs
O great Hogs
6. Bar balen^^r; hahnfe Burre fure/e l ' "^ '
i Hogs
Remark I. Thofe fyllables, which in the oblique cafes are
printed in Italics, are the article. In the Gipfey, as well as
in the Hindoftan language, they do not place the article
before the noun, but affix it behind, and that is the fole
indication of the cafe of a noun. In the Gipfey tongue, the
article of the nominative cale is O or I ; in the Hindoftan,
A or I.
'Remark II. The Gipfey language, as -well as the Hindoftan,
has only two genders, the mafculine and feminine. Thofe
nouns which end in I, are, in both languages, feminine,
and all the reft mafculine. Both languages change the
mafculine into the feminine gender, by putting an j for the
termination. For Example,
Gipfey, R^ja? the Prince. Ranj, the Princefs
Jlindojiiiii, Raja, Raji
Some
( 15s )
Some Prokocns.
I.
I : Mc ; Me,
Mo.
Singular Number.
Gipfey.
Hindoftan.
Englifli.
r. Me .
Me; Mo
I
2. Mrohi; Man
Mcrra; Meika
Of me
3. Mange; Man .
Mejko
To me
4. Mange; Man
*
Mejko
Me
6. Mander.
Mejfe
Plural Number.
from Me
I. Amen; Men
Humm
We
2. Amerohi
Hunimarra; Hum
ka Of us
3. Amenge ; Men-.
Hummko
To us
4. Amen ; Men
Humraare; Humko Us
Chap. V,
6. Amendar;Amender; 7 tt r
Amenfe ; Menfe 3
from, with U=
2. Thou : Tu ; Tu.
Singular Number.
I. Tu
Tu
Thou
2. Trohi; Tute •
Terra
Of Thee
3. Tuke ; Tute
Tuko
To Thee
4. Tutte; Tut
Tufko
Thee
5. 0 Tu
0 Tu
OThou
6. Tutarhi ; Tuter
Tufe
From I'hee
U-a--
Vlvral ■■■
( 156 )
Chap. V. Plural Number.
GIpfey.
Hindoftan.
Englilh.
I. Tumen; Tume
Turn
You
2. Tumarohi; Tumende
Tumarra
Of You
3. Tumengole; Tumcn
Tumko
To You
4. Tumen ; Tume
Tumarre
; Tumko
You
5. 0 Tume
OTum
0 You
6. Tumendar; Tumen
der; Tumenfe
]
Tumfe
From, with You
3-
a.
He:
Job;
Uweh.
S;
INGULAR
Number.
I. Job
Uweh
He
2. Lefte
Jffika
Of Him
3. Las
Jffiko
To Him
4. Les
*
Jffiko
Him
6. Lefter; Leha
Jffife
From, with Him
3-
b.
She:
Joi;
Uwehi
S
INGULAR
Number
I. Joi
Uwehi
She
2. Lati
Uika
Of Her
3. La
Ufko
To Her
4. La
Ulko
Her
6. Later; Laha
Ufife
From, with Her
Plural
( '57 )
Plural Number, common to both Genders.
Gipfey. Hindoftan. Englifh.
1. Jole Jnne They
2. Lente Jnneka Of Them
3. Len Jnneko To Them
4. Len Jnne Them
Chap. V.
6. Lender
Jnnefe From Them
4-
My Miro ; Merra
t
Miri ; Merri
-
Mafculine.
Feminine.
Mafculine. Feminine.
»
I Miro
Miri
Merra Merri
My
2 Meri
Merraka Merrika
Of My
3 Merige
Merrako Merriko
To My
4 Merige
Merra Merri
My
5 0 Miro
0 Miri
0 Merra O Merri
0 my
6 Merider
Merrafe Merrife
From my
5. Our
Maro Humarra
Mari Humarri
Singular Number.
I Maro
Miro
Hummarra Hummarri
Our
2 Mari
Hummaraka Hummarika
Of Our
3 Marige
Miro
Hummarrako Hummarriko To Our
4 Marige
Hummarra Hummarri
Our
5 0 Maro
OMari
0 Hummarra O Hummarri
1 0 Our
6 Marider
Hummarrafc Hummarrife
FiOin Our
6 Thy
V '58 )
£iwp. v..
Gipfey.
Hiiidoftan.
Englim. .
6. Thy
Tiro
Terra
Tiri
Terri
Singular
Number.
Mafcul'me.
Feminine
. Mnfculriie.
Feminine,
I Tiro
Tiri
Terra
Terri
Thy
2 Tcri
Terraka ,
Terri ka
Of Thy
3 Terige
Terrako
Terriko
To Thy
4 Terige.
Terra
Terri
Thy
5 O Tiro
O Tiri
0 Terra
0 Terri
OThy
6 Terider
Terrafe.
Terrife
From, withThy
Terife
•
7. Your
Tumaro
Tumari
Singular
Tummarra
Tumniarri
Number.
T Tumaro Tumari Tummarra Tummarri Your
2 Tumari Tummaraka Tujnmarrika Of Your
3 Tumarigc Tummarrako Tummarriko To Your
4 Tumarige Tummarra ■ Tummarri Your
5 OTumaro OTumari O Tummarra O Tummarri O Your
6 Tumarider • Tuaamarrafe Tumrnarife From,vvith your
Tumarife
8/ Who? Kobn Gipfey; Koun Hindoftan.
Examples of the conjugation of both languages.
I, am: Me Horn; Me Hej
PRESENT.
Singular Number.
Mafculine, . Feminine. , Mafculine, . Feminine.
McHom;Kom;Sinjom MeHej;MemHu; Hota. Hoti; lam
TuHal; Sinjel TyHej;TemHae; Hota. Hoti; Thou art
Job Hi; Si VwehHejjWoHae; Hota. Hoti; He is
Pj-URAL ,
( »59 )
Glpfey. Hincloftan.
Plural Numker,
Miifiidlne. Femimnc. Mafcnline. Feminine.
MenHam; Sinjam; HumHei;HamHaem;Hotc. Hotia; We are
TumeHam; Sinjan ; Turn Hej ; Tom Ho ; Hote. Hotia ; Ye are
. Jole Hi ; Sinja ; Jnne Hei; We Haem;. Hote. Hotia; They are
Englifli. Chap. ;V.
TMe Hames ;
Tu Hales;
Job Has;
Men Hames
Tume Hames
Jole Has
Me Sinjomahi:
Tu Sinjalahi
Job Sinja
Men Sinjamahi
Tume Sinjanahi
Jole Sinje
IMPERFECT.
Singular Number.
MeHua; Mem T ha.
Tu Hua ; Tern Tha .
Thi ; 1 was
Thi; ThouwaJl
UwehHua; Woh Tha. Thi; He was
Plural Number.
Hum Hue; Ham The. Thia; We were
Turn Hue; Tom The. Thia; Ye were
InneHue; We The. Thia; They were
PERFECT.
Singular Number.
Me Huatha I have been
Tu Huatha Thou haft been
Uweh Huatha He hath been
Plural Number.
Hum Huathe We have been
Tum Huathe Ye have been
. Jnne Huathe They have been
FUTURE,
. ( i6o )
Chap. V. Gipfey. Hindoftan. Englifli,
F U T U R' E.
Singular Number.
Me Owa Me Huga I Hiail be
Du Oweha Tu Huga Thou fhak be
Job Ula Uweh Huga He fhall be
Plural Number.
Men Owaha Hum Huge We fliall be
Tume Una Turn Huge Ye fhall be
Jole Owena Jnne Huge They fhall be
INFINITIVE.
Huna To be
To make ; do ; Kerja ; Kurrna.
PRESENT.
Singular Number.
Me Kerel
Tu Kerefch
Job Kerel
Me Kurrta
Tu Kurrta
Uweh Kurrta
I make
Thou makefk
He maketh
Scho Kerjem
Tumen Kerjen
On Kerde
Plural Number.
Hum Kurrte We make
Tum Kurrte Ye make
Jnne Kurrte They make
IMPERFECT
< j6i )
Gipfey. Hindoftan, Englifh. Chap, V.
IMPERFECT.
Singular Number. - ■
Me Kerjom Me Kurrtacha I did make
Tu Kerjel Tu Kuntatha Thou didft make
O Kerje Uweh Kurrtatha He did make
Plural Number.
Seho Kerjom Hum Kurrtathe We did make- .
Tumen Kerjea Turn Kurrtathe Ye did make
On Kerde June Kurrtathe . They did make
The comparifon thus far will, I believe, be fufficient to convince '
every one of the truth of the pofitlon, that the Gipfey language is
really that of Hindoftan. Let the reader look over the catalogue
once more, and it will appear, on the average, that every third '.
Gipfey word is likewife an Hindoftan one, or ftill more, out of
thirty Gipfey words, eleven or twelve are conftantly of Hindoftan.
This agreement is uncommonly great; it muft alfo be remembered,
that the words above communicated, have only been learned from
the Gipfies, within thefe very few years ; confequently, at a
fcafon, when they had been near four compleat centuries away
from Hindoftan, their native country, (as I may now aflert it to
be) among people who talked languages totally different, and in
which the Gipfies themfelves converfed. Under the conftant, and
fo long continued, influx of thefe languages, their own muft \
neceffarily have fuffered great alteration, more efpecially as they are
Y. a people, ,
( i63 )
Chap. V. a people, entirel}^ raw, without either writing or literature . One
word after another muft have crept, from the others, into their
-language, confequently, by the frequent ufe of foreign words,
the Gipfey word, of the fame fignification, was more rarely ufed,
and by degrees entirely loft from their recoUeftion : by which
circumftance the original compofition of their language became
entirely deranged ; (3) which is the reafon, why, as any body
may convince themfelves by infpeftion, all kinds of languages and
idioms, Turkifli, Grecian, Latin, Wallachian, Hungarian,
Sclavonian, German, and others, make part of the above voca-
bulary. The word Rome, Man, is Coptick with, perhaps, a
few more. It does not appear, that there is fo much Perfian, in
the Gipfey language, as has been generally imagined ; and even
•what there is of it they may have brought, with them, from
their native country ; as many Perfian words are current in Hin-
■doftan.
After all thefe reflexions, we ought rather to wonder, that the
number of Hindoftan words Is fo great, in the Gipfey language,
than to reqviire it fhould be larger, in order to furnilbv fufficient
proof, of the Hindoftan lauguage being the Gipfies mother
tongue.
But we have a right, from the agreement which appears in
the catalogue publifhed, to conclude there is a much greater in
faft. I have always hitherto, only adopted the idea, that, among
the Gipfey words quoted, all thofe, of the Hindoftan language,
appear, which are ftill extant in the Gipfey language, anfwering
to the annexed meaning. But I am convinced this is, by no
means the cafe. It may be recolleded, from the firft part, how
much
C '63 )
m\Kh the Gipfies make a fecret of their language, and how Chap. V.
fufpicious they are, when any body wifhes to learn a few words of
it. Even if he is not perverfe, he is very inattentive, for which
reafon he is likely to anfwcr fome other rather than the true
Gipfey (4) word. Under fuch cirumftanccs, it is very poffible ,
nay even probable, that in the foregoing catalogue, there may
many words be inierted, inftead of which, true Gipfey, confe-
quently Hindoflan words might be found, but that the Giplies,
when enquired of, either from levity or by defign, did not declare
them.
Further, it is not at all abfurd to pronounce, that there
remain more, or at leaft different, true Gipfey words, among
thofe refiding in one country than another. Now if, at any future
period, fome perfon lliould, by way of an experiment on the
above catalogue, examine a fecond or third time, different fets
of Gipfies, in different countries, and compare the refult with
thofe already delivered, the catalogue would, certainly, receive
a confiderable augmentation of Hindoftan Gipfey words.
Finally, we muft look back a little upon the Hindoftan lan-
guage itfelf. This, it is true, is fundamentally the fame, all over
Hindoftan : but like every other language in the world, has
different dial efts, according to the different provinces. The
eaftern dialect, fpoken about the Ganges, has different names for
fome things, and different inflexions of fome words, from the
weftern one talked about the Indus. There is, befides, a third
varying from both thefe, viz. the Surat dialed, which, has a
number of Malabar and other words (5) mixed with it. To this
muft be j,dded, that in the Hindoftan, as well as in ever}' other
Y 2 language,
.( f64 )
Chap. V. language, there are feveral names for the fame thing. The
particular dialeft, bearing the clofeft affinity to the Gipfey lan-
guage, as will appear hereafter, is the weftern, and perhaps more
efpecially that of Surat. (6) Had this therefore, or the weftern
one in general, been the ftandard of the above comparifon, and 1
had not, for want of words in thcfe dialefts, been obliged very
much to have recourfe to the eaftern one, fpoken in Bengal; or
had we, even in this diakft, had fuch plenty of words, that,
.where the Gipfey, from not knowing any more, could only givt;
us a fmgle expreffion, we might have been able to produce, not
•one or two as at prefent, but all or at leaft the greateft part of the
fynonymous appellations; we fliould infaUlbly in this manner,
-recover, in the Hindoftan language many a Gipfey word, which
•even the learned are unable to derive from the European, or any
•other language, and yet have as little appearance of being Hin-
doftan. With refpeft to the conftrudlion, and inflexions of the
two languages, they are evidently the fame. That of Hindoftan
has only tw-o genders, the Gipfey. the fame. In the former every
■word ending inj is feminine, all the reft mafculine; in the latter
it is the fame. That makes the inflexions entirely by the article,
and adds it to the end of the word, the Gipfey language proceeds
exaftly in the fame manner. Finally, likewife, bating a trifling
variation, this identical fimilarity is evident in the pronouns.
So much for the language of the Gipfies. As this is indubitably
Hindoftan, it would be fufficientof itfelf, to prove the defcent of
thoie people from Hindoftan. We ftiall now proceed to other
grounds, which, united with the proofs from the language, will
ieave us lefs reafon to doubt, concerning this matter.
That
X 165 ) Chap. V.
That the Giplies, and natives of Hindoflan, refemble pcli
other in complexion and fliape, aHo that they are equally timorous
and cowardly is (7) undeniable. But I Ihall pafs over thefe, and
fome other (8) circumftances, as, perhaps, neither the one nor
rhe other are fuch diftinguilhing marks, as not to be met with
among other Oriental people.
The name of Polgar, carries more weight with it, which we
find among the Gipfies, ev-en in th£ earlieft times, before they began
to change tlie names, they brought with them, for our European
ones. Polgar, as we may remember, was the name of the leader,
who in the year 1496, obtained a fafe condu<5k, from the Hunga-
rian King, Uladiflaus II. by virtue of which, he, with his hord,
confining of twenty five tents or families, had the liberty of
travelling about where they (9) pleafed. Now this name Polgar,
originates in India, where it is the appellation of a Deity, prefiding
over marriges and matrimonial concerns, and the Indians are very
fond of bearing it, as well as the names of their other Deities,
which they do very (10) frequently.
As, further above, in reciting the Gipfey profeffion, their
fmith's bufinefs was mentioned ; it was remarked, their anvil is a
ftone, and what mor-e implements they ufe confift in a pair of
hand bellows, tongs, hammer, vife, and a file. With fuch a
portable apparatus, the travelling Gipfey wanders from place to
(11) place. If we compare this, with what Somerat rehtcs of
the Indian fmiths, the accounts agree fo exaftly, that it fliould
feem as if I, or rather the author I copy, had tranfcribed literally
from him. This will appear plainer, if I infert his own words.
^' The fmith," he fays " carries his tools, his (hpp, and his
" forge
( i66 )
Chap. V. « forge about with him, and works in any place, where he can
" find employment : he eredls his fliop before the houfe of his
" employer, raifmg a low wall with beaten earth, before which
" he places his hearth, behind this wall he fixes two leathern
" bellows, which his apprentice blows alternately, to keep up the
" fire. He has a ftone inftead of an anvil, and his whole appa-
" ratus is a pair of tongs, a hammer, a beetle and a file." (12)
The moft ftriking circumitance of this is, that both, Gipfey and
Indian, fliould ufe the fame kind of hand bellows, and both have
exaftly two. As the apprentice works thefe for the Indian, fo does
the wife or one of the children for the Gipfey. (13)
What is further afl"erted of the young Gipfey girls, rambling
about with their fathers, who are muficians, dancing in all kinds of
indecent and lafcivious attitudes and geftures, to (14) divert any
perfon who is willing to give them a fmall gratuity for it, is like-
wife quite Indian. Sonnerat confirms this alfo. " Surat is," he fays,
/" famous for its dancing girls. Thefe young women devote
" themfelves, entirely, to the worfhip of the Gods, whom they
" attend in the proceffions, dancing and fmging before the repre-
" fentations of them. The handycraftfmen generally deftine the
" youngeft of their daughters to this fervice, and fend them to
*' the pagoda before they come to the age of puberty. There
" they have dancing and mulic mafters, with perfons to teach
" them to fing. The Bramins form their young minds, and
" deflour them ; in the end they become common proftitutes.
" They then join in companies, take muficians with them, to
" entertain any body, that chufes to engage them, with mufic and
" (15) dancing." Sonnerat fpeaks here alfo, of the wanton geftures
of
( j67 )
of thefc dancing girls, of which he has given a drawing; Chap. V.
and ends his defcription thus. " The blinking of their eyes,
" half open, half flnit, and the negligent finking of their bodies,
" to the nioft languilhing mufic, fliew that their whole frame
" breathes nothing (16) but lafcivioufnefs."
Fortunetelling is univerfal all over the eaft ; but the particular
fpot, where that peculiar fort, praftifed by the Gipfies, viz.
chiromancy; conftantly referring to whether the party (liall be
rich or poor, fortunate or unhappy in marriage ; whether they
fliall have many or few children, &c. is no where but in India.
I (hall quote an inftance, from thence, in order to evince, how
perfedly Gipfeyifli it is. " It once happened," fays Bald^^us,
" that the Rajah Kans made his appearance before the inhabitants;
" (17) when being given to underftand, that an experienced Bramin
" was arrived, he ordered him to be brought before him, and
" faid; Narret, (that was his name) look at my daughter's
" hand, and inform me whether (he will be happy or unfortunate,
" poor or rich, whether (lie will have many or few children, if
" her life will be long or (hort, fpeak out freely, and conceal
" nothing." The Bramin having looked at her hand, replied,
" May it pleaie your Majefty, according to the indication of
" thefe lines, I read thus ; (lie (liall bear feven children, viz. fix
" fons and a daughter, the youngeft of which, (hall not only
*' deprive you of your crown and empire, but likewife of your
" head and life, and afterwards place himfelf in your feat."
This method, Bald^eus adds, of looking in the hands, is very
common among the (18) Heathens,
The
.€'
C i6S )
Chap. V. The exceffive loquacity of the Gipfies, as well as their very
advantageous natural qualities, which I have taken notice of above^
are likewife diftinguifliing marks (19) of the Indian ; befides, the
very name Zigeuner, or, according to a broader way of pronun-
ciation, Ciganen and Tchingenen, is the appellation of an Indian
people, as Thevenot's Zinganen, at the mouth of the Indus,
(20) prove.
Some few more hints, which give a faint intimation of the
Indian defcent of the Gipfies, are, that the Gipfies are fo fond
of (21) faftron. Secondly, as Twifs affures us of thofe in Spain,
that they never intermarry with any people who are not, like
themfelves, of Gipfey extradlion ; which puts us ftrongly in mind
of the Indian Cafts. .
CHAPTER VI.
The Gipfies are of the Cajl called Suders.
X COME now to the main defign of my treatife, to the
pofition, that the Gipfies are of the loweft clafs of Indians,
namely, Farias, or as they are called in Hindoflan, Suders.
The whole great nation of Indians, is known to be divided into
four ranks or flocks, which are called by a Portuguefe name,
Casts, each of which has its own particular fubdivifions. Of
thefe Cafts, the Bratnin is the firft. The fecond contains the
Tfhecbleries or Sefreas. The third confifts of the Bcis or
IFafders. The fourth is the Caft of, the juft mentioned, Suders:
who upon the Peninfula of Malabar, where their condition is th6
fatne as in Hindoftan, are called Farias or Farier.
The
( i69 )
The relative (ituation of thefe four Cafts, and the grounds of Chap. Vl-
their diiFerence, reft on the Indian fable of the Creation. This
relates, that the God who created Bruma, ordained that the
Bramin fliould proceed out of Bruma's mouth; the Tchechterie
out of his arms; the Beis out of his legs; and the Suder from
his feet. As Bruma afterwards allotted the employments of each
of thefe ftocks ; he appointed the firft to feek after knowledge,
to give inftrudlion and to take care of religion. The fecond was
to ferve in war. The third was alfo to cultivate fciencc, but to
attend, particularly, to the breeding of cattle and agriculture.
The Caft of Suders was deftined to be fubfervient to the Bramins,
the Tfchechteries and the (i) Beis. Thefe Suders are held in
the greateft contempt; they are infamous and unclean, from their
occupations ; they are abhorred becaufe they eat flefli, whereas the
three other Cafts live on vegetables only.
Of this very Caft, as will appear by the following comparifon,
our Gipfies are compofed.
Above we have become acquainted with them, as in the higheft
degree filthy, and difgufting ; with regard to charafter, of the
moft depraved hearts : they were thievifh, liars, and fraudulent to
excefs, and thefe are exaftly the qualities of the Suders. Baldjeus
fays, " the Pareas are a filthy race, in a word, a contemptible
" ftinking people: a wicked crew, who in winter fteal much
" cattle, kill them, and fell the (2) hides." It is again related
in the Danifli MifTion Intelligence, " No body can deny that
" the Bareier are the dregs and refufe of all the Indians; they have
" wicked difpofitions, are thievifti, arrant liars, cannot bear
■*' good ufage, require to be kept in order by fear and blows,
7, " and
( '7° )
Ghap. V-L " and held under contimial (3) reftraint." Moreover Neuhof
affures us, " The Parriias are full of every kind of difhonefty,.
" they do not look upon lying and cheating to be finfull; as they
" have no other maxim or cuftom among (4) them."
In addition to the foregoing, the Gipfies lovC; to intoxicate;
rjiemfelves, they are particularly fond of brandy, becaufe it
more fpeedily anfwers their purpofe than any other drink.
Among the Suders we find this inclination, without exception,
though other Indians do not commit fuch qxcefs, or at mod
very feldom, and that (5) privately.
What has been further faid, with refpedt to the immoral (6)
life of the Gipfies, agrees perfeftly with the Suders. " Their
" wives and daughters," fays Neuhof, " make no difficulty of
'f yielding up their perfons, for money, to any fort of people,
" be they of what country or religion foever: as the inclination;
"of this tribe tends more to voluptuoufnefs, than towards
" diligence or (7) induftry."
With regard to Gipfies marriages, it has been aflerted, that it
made no difference with their confciences, whether the party ,
was the neareft relation or an utter ftranger, or as Salmon expreffes..
himfelf, the neareft relations cohabit, like bcafts with each other,
and as to education, that their children grow up, in the mofc •
fhameful negleft, withqut either difcipline or inftruftion. All
this is precifely the cafe with the Pariars. In the Journals of-
the Miffionaries already quoted, it is faid, " with refpeft to (8)
" matrimony they ad like the beafts, and their children are
•f brought up without reftraint or information.
Gipfies .
( I/I )
Gipfies are fond of being about horfes ; the Suders in India Chap. Vl
likewile, for which reafon they are commonly employed, as
horfekeepers, by the Europeans refident in that (9) country.
The Gipfies were formerly the common flayers, hangmen, and
•executioners, all over Hungary and Tranfilvania, and ftill readily
perform thofe offices, whenever called upon. In like manner, in
India, no one, who is not of the Call of Suders, will on any
account tranfadl that kind of (10) bufmcfs. j
That the Gipfies hunt after cattle which have died of diftcm-
pers, in order to feed on them, and where they can provide more,
than is fufficient for one day's confumption, dry it in the (11)
fun, which is likewife a conftant cuftom with the Pariars in India.
" It is their office," according to the accounts we have of them,
" to remove carrion, which they cut up, part they boil frefh
"" and eat, other parts they dry in pieces, by the heat of the
" fun, for their future (12) provifion."
Hitherto the accounts of the Gipfies and Suders perfeAly
•coincide. Even the beforementioned fmiths and dancing girls,
are (13) of this Caft : and as they before, from the fimilarity of
■their make, (hewed, in general, their being of Indian extradiion,
fo, in this inftance, they give particular evidence, that they
are defcendants from the very loweft clafs.
But there are ftill fome further traits, relating to the Gipfies;
we fliall now examine, whether they alfo are to be found among
the Suders. Of thefe the firft is, that the Gipfies always chufe
■their place of refidence, near fome village or city, very feldom
within the village or city, even though there may be no order
'o prevent it; as is the cafe in ]\IoIdavia, Walkchia, and all
Z 2 parts
C 17^ )
Ghap. VI. parts of Turkey. Even the more improved kind of them, in
Tranfilvania, who have long fince difcontinued their wandering
mode of life, and might, with permiflion from government, inhabit
within the cities, yet rather chufe to build their huts in fome
bye place, without the limits of it. This feems to be the remains
of their original Suder education; it being the cuftom, all over.
India, for the Suders to have their huts, without the villages
of the other Cafts, and in retired places nsar their (14) cities.
Further, with regard to the Gipfies religion, we may eahly
recolleft, from the above, that their fenfe of it is very flight,
and, that they have not the leaft degree of fteadinefs in it. Every one
is indifferent to him ; as often as he comes to a new place,
where he meets with a different one, he changes his opinions.
To day he receives the Sacrament as a Lutheran, next Sunday
from a Roman Catholic, and, perhaps, before the end of the
week partakes of the communion in a Reformed Church. Yet,
the greater part of them, do not even go fo far as
this, but live without any religion at all, and are, as Toll i us
fays, worfe than Heathens. The more wonderful and unheard
of fuch an appearance is, of a whole people being fo
void of and indifferent about religion, the more weight it
carries with it, in my opinion, that all this fnould be literally
true of the Suders. " This race," fays Rogerius, of the Suders
in the Kingdom of Surat, " feems to be neither Heathens nor
Mahometans ; but live on in their own way, v/ithout any
religion, or worfhipping (15) of God. There are fome, it is
true, who imitate the other Cafts, in an outward fhew of religion,
?,nd make priefts for themfelves ; but they never frequent the
pagodas
( '73 )
pagodas of the higher Cafts, nor have any of their (t6) own : Chap. VI^.
and as to the choice of their deities, every one conforms to the
cuftom of the place, where he lives, or happens to remain a
Oiort time, exadly the fame (17) as the Gipfies.
If one might prefume to take for granted, what I have only •
conditionally aflerted, and quoted as an article given up, viz.
that the Gipfies are cannibals : evidence would not be wanting
to prove, that the Suders arc equally infamous. This teftimony
is very ancient, I allow, it is to be found in (18) Herodotus;
confequently is not fo decifive, as if it were of a more modern
date. But it mufl be confidered, at the fame time, that Oriental
manners change very little, and his defcription of the other
Indian Cafts is punftually juft; fo it is not improbable, that
the barbarous cuftom of eating human flefti, and particularly,
as Herodotus fays, of killing and eating the neareft relations or .• " '
friends, when they were advanced in years, or were fick, might
ftill prevail, among the lovveft Caft of Indians, \\hich he calls :
Padaans, and be ftill in ufe, when the Giphes emigrated from
thence. At leaft we may conclude fo much from this evidence, .
that eating human flefh had been a cuftom among this people^
\MTiether it has at all, or in what parts of India, even in more
modern times, this praftice may have continued, and perhaps,
as among the Gipfies, may ftill be privately carried on ? Is a
queftion, which can only be determined, by fome obferving
European, who has been long enough refident in India, particularly .•
in the weftern parts of it.
If people, in reflecting on the emigration of the Gipfies, are
not determined to imagine, that they were aduated by a blind
impulfe,.
tChap. VI. impuhc, to break up at once, and quit their native country';
there is no caufe to be affigned, for their retreat from thence,
" by any means fo plaufible, as the war of Timur Beg in India.
The date of their arrival marks it very plainly. It was in the
^year 1408 and 1409, that this conqueror ravaged India, and
liaving perfuaded himfelf, as well as his followers, that he had
undertaken the expedition (19) againft India, for the purpofe
'of fp reading the Mahometan religion ; his war was quite
oppreffive enough to occafion fuch an emigration. For not only
every one who made any refiftance was deftroyed, and fuch others
as fell into the enemies hands, though never fo defencelefs,
were made ilaves, but, fhortly after, thefe very flaves, to the
number of an hundred thoufand, (20) were put to death.
As, on this occafion, an univerfal panick took place, nobody
'being fecure, that it might not be his own fate in a (liort
time, what could be more natural, than that, a great number
of terrified inhabitants fliovild endeavour to fave themfeives by
flight.
There feems to be fome reafon to obje<ft here, that when
this fuppofed flight took place, had it been true, not Giplies
only, or the lowefl clafs of people, but with them all forts of
Indians, of fupcrior rank, would have come among us. But
this argument will fall of itfelf, when we refleft on the pre-
pofleflion, which the three higher Cafl:s of Indians entertain,
for their country. They afcribe an extraordinary degree of
holinefs to it, and believe it to be the only country thought,
''by the Creator of the Univerfe, worthy for fuch fanftificd people,
.as the Bramins, Tfchechteries, and Beis to dwell in. They would
fooner
( ^75 )
faoner I'uffer torture and death, than quit this land chofen Ijy Cl\ap,. YI.
the Ahnighty himfclf, for their rcfidence, to go and dwell any
where elfe. Moreover, a Sudcr is, in their eftimation, the moft
execrable being in the world, and the lead intercourie with him
would be defiling, and degrading their high charafters, which, to
them, would be more dreadful than death. Wherefore it was
a moral impoffibility, for thofe of an higher Caft, to have any
thing in common with a Suder, or that they, fhould have made
a. united retreat. Finally, by putting thcmfelves into the power
of the Suders, with whom they live conftantly in a flate of
difcord (21) and inveteracy, they would have nia a greater riilc/
of their lives, than by patiently expefting their fate, from the.
hands of their common enemy. In cafe any of the higher
ranks of Indians did withdraw themfelves, on account of the
troubles, it is probable they retired fouthwards, to people of
their own fort, the Marattas.
As to the northward and eaftward every part was befet by the
enemy, and no paflage left, in thofe direftions, for efcaping;,
moft probably the countries below Multan, to the mouth. of the
Indus, were the firft afylum and rendezvous of the fugitive Suders,.
Here they were fafe,, and fo remained, till Timur returned from.,
his viftories on the Ganges. Then it was that they firft entirely
quitted the country; and, probably, with them a confiderable
number of the proper inhabitants about the Indus, which wilL
explain the meaning of their original name, Ciganen, or,,
according to the German mode of fpeaking, Zigeuner. For if.
it was in the country of the Zihganen, where thefe terrified fugitives .
colleded, and they drew a confiderable number of the Zinganen. ,
themfelves
C 176 )
Ch^p, VL themfelves along \vith them; nothing could be more eafy or
natural, than that the people, who had come together from the
general wreck, ftiould take the name of the greater number, as
being all of one country, when the whole were blended together.
By what track they came to us, cannot be afcertalned ; if they
went ftraight through the fouthern Perfian defarts of Sigiftan,
Makran and Kirman, along the Perfian Gulph to the mouth of the
Euphrates, from thence they might get, by Baffora, into the great
defarts of Arabia, afterwards into Arabia Petriea, fo arrive in
Egypt, by the Ifthmus of Sues. They muft certainly have
been in Egypt, before they reached us; otherwife it is incom-
prehenfible, how the report arofe that they were Egyptians.
By what opportunity they were afterwards tranfported to
Europe is alfo an obfcure refearch: perhaps it was effefted by
means of theTurks, who being at that time fully employed,
Avith the Grecian empire, might permit the Gipfies to travel
about with the rabble of Serdenjefti and Nephers, who were
appointed to go on ravaging parties.
If any perfon wiflies to affign fome other reafon, for their
wandering, I fliall not difpute it, as all that can be faid, upon
the fubjeft, is mere furmife. My chief aim was to prove them
to be come from Hindoftan, and that they were Suders, which
I hope I have accompliflied. At leaft I do not fee how one can
folve the riddle, that every thing, even the moft fortuitous
concomitant circumftances, particularly that moft decilive one,
the fimilarity of their language to that of Hindoftan, fhould fo
uniformly point out that extraction, yet that they fhould belong
to a different country, and be defcended from another people.
FINIS.
( '77 )
NOTES to the Introduction.
(i) JLyET us only confider the robberies of the Arabians, which were for-
merly, and ftill continue to be permitted and honorable amoiig them.
{2) In this alfo the Arabians will ferve as an illuftration, from whom it is
derived, to efteem any one diflionorable who fuffers himielt to make a certain noife,
in the prefence of other people. I will produce the pafliige, from la Roque.
'* Ce qu'il y a de plus malhonuete parmi cux, c'eit de lacher des ventb, c'cfl
" une eipcce dc crime que d'en fairc volontaircment. . Lors qu'il Icur en echappe
" par malheur dans quelque compagnle, ils font regardes conime des gens iofames,
" avec qui I'on ae veut plus avoir de commerce, & il eft fouvent arrive que ceux
" qui avoient cvj ce malheur, out etc obliges de s'abfenter, & de pafler chez d'au-
'^ tres peuples, pour n'etre pas expofes aux huees, & a. toutes les fuites d'une
" mechante reputation." Voyage dans la Palejiine, par Mr. lie la. Rojue, Araft. .
1718. p. 141.
(3) V. La 'vie de Mahomet, par Jean Gagnier> T. i. p. 105. 190. 393.
(4) V. Ltttris edijianles.
(5) Salmon gegeniudrtiger Staat des Kaiferthums China, Kap. 2. S. 23. Of
the oyfter fliells, he fays, they are made fo thin and clean, that they admit the
light, but are not tranfparent like glafs,
(5) They (the Chinefe) have hardly any jvift inftruments for marking time ;
what they ufe ad cither by fire or water. Thofe that aft by water, fomething
refemble our large hour glaifcs. Thofe which aiTt by fire, are compofed of fwcet
fmelling powder, made up into a fort of match. Job. Neuhofs Gefandfchaft der
OJlindifchen GeJeVjchaft in den ■vereinigten Niederlanden an den Sinifchen Kayfer.
Amft. 1569, Seit 239. The publick clock in China, as in Siam, conlifts of a
veliel filled with water, on the furface of which is placed a copper bafon, having
a fmall hole bored in the bottom ; through which the water entering, in a certain
time f:nks the bafon. As foou as it fml; , the perfon appointed to watch it,
particularly at niglit, calls the hour; the bafon is then taken out, emptied, and
replaced. Salmon Staat 'uon Siam K;ip 6. S. 67.
A a . (7) Toppeltln .
.-<*-■ .•
M
<i,'.-)
47.8 Notes to the Introdu3ion.
(7) Toppeltin fays exprefsly, that the Gipfies, hi Tranfilvania, are avoided
by every body, on account of their horrid appearance; and that no perfon, in
that country, will deign to have any cordial intercourfe with them. Quura autera
turpiflinine iint corum foemins et omnis fexus natural! nigreJine horibilis, valde
averfanter contemnunturque a populis Tranfilvanis nullo prorfus confortio vel
famiharitate dignantibus. Topp. Orig. et occas. Iranfelv. cap. VI. p. 56.
(8) In a mandate to the Regency of Tranfilvania ilRicd the 1 2"" of September
1782.
SECTION I,
NOTES to the First Chapter.
( 1 ) Buona'ventura Vulcanius, in libro de Uteris et lingua Getarum : Itali Cingaros
vocant, Galli Bohemos quod indidem ex Boheml.1 prima illorum eflet notitia.
See Bayle, alfo, article Bohemiens.
(2) A Danifli law fays : The Tartars who ftrole .ibout, and do much damage
d-' to the people, by their lies, thefts, and black art, fliall be taken into cuftody by
every magiftrate; Vide Leg. Dan. Libr. III. Cap. 20. Art. 3. Schnvedifche
Bibliothck, Stockholm und Leipzig, 1729. 3'" St. Seit 265. f. Kranz Sdchfifcbe
Chromk, 2'" Buch. Kap. 2. '
(3) Not Rafelcherami, according to Carl. Steph. in Diaionario hiflorico
Geograph. poetico edit. Genev. 1662. who quotes Tbevei : Ras, or Res— >
Elcherami, is, among the Arabians, the name of a leader of the Gipfies.
(4) Jazeigen aus fammtlich. Kaiferl. Kinigl. Erblaiidern, tiinftcr Jahrgang,
Wien 1775, Seite 176.
(5) Snuinburne'i tra'veh through Spain. London 1779. p. 229.
(6) Vngri/ches Magaain, 2'" Band, erftes St. S. 85.
(7) Georgi's Be/cbreibung alter Volcker des Rufzijchm Reichs, S. 146.
(8) Anxeigen aus den Kaiferl. Kinigl. Erbldnaern, 5'" Jahrg. S. i8i.
(9) Hijioire de la Moldanjie i^ de la Falachie, ]i^y, l-jyj. p, I 70.
(10) PeiiJJonnet ob/ernjations hijioriques et geographiques Jur les petiples harbares
^ui ot2t habite les bords du Danube. Paris 176!;, p. 109. d'ou ell; vcnu — le nom
-,du Tchingenes que leur (the Gipfies) donnent encore les Turcs, et les autres
nutlufls
Notfs to the F'lrji Chapter, 1791
nations de TOrient. Sieh auch Salmon gegenivartigir Staat da Tsirki/ihen Reicbn
Tb-. I. S. 319.
(11) Alartin Kelfiusin natalibus Saxonum TranJiI'vania, Cap. II. § 14, Nor.
c. Ego occafione loci Procopii dc Bell: Vandalico Lib. IV. p. 355. ubi Maurufiot
quidam putant effe Zingaros, obfervo, ipfos vernacula ie appellare Morre: audltur
aliam inter blatterones Amor:, unde erudite cuidam Amorrita vifi.
(12) Sulzer Ge/chichte des Tranfalpinifchen Dacient, 2'" Band. Seit 137.
(13) Vagatur hinc inde genus quoddam impoftorum ^ quos recentis Green
Athinganos, nos Zigeunos nominamus. Peucer de divioat. p. 160. edit. Witt. 1580V
NOTES to the Second Chapter.
(1) Salmon gegenimdrtiger Staat dcs lurkifchtn Reichs. Erfter Th. 8.319.
(2) Leo A/ricanu! m his Hiftoire naturdU des Indes, IJles tif terre ferme de-
la grande Mer oceane, p. 327. Says of the Rlerchants of Agades, that they kept
great numbers of armed ilaves for their fecurity ; and mentions that their caravans :
font tous vexez de divers peuples du defert, comme de ceux qu'oa appelle com-
munement Somiens ou Egyptlens.
(3) Salmon gegenixsdrtiger Staat des lurhifcheu Rekhs. Erfter Theil. Seib
330. In the iz"' year o£ the reign of Henry VIII. The following aifl was. .
paffed.*
AN ACT concerning outlandifli people, calling themfclves Egyptians.
22 Hen. VIII. c. 10.
Enforced by i. and 2. Ph. & M. c. 4. 4. and 5. Eliz. c. 20.
" FoRASM*j-eH as before this time divers and many outlandifti people calling
" themfelves Egv'ptians, ufmg no craft nor feat of Merchandize, have come intj
" this Realm, and gone from Shire to Shire, and Place to Place in great Company,
" and ufed great, fubtil, and crafty means to deceive the People, bearing them
" in hand, that they by Palmellry could tell Mens and Womens Fortunes, and
A a 1 " fo
• As the words quoted from Salmon differ from the aS it/el/, the Tranjlator has
judged it expedient to in/ert the entire ail infiead of the quotation.
i8o Notes to the Second Chapter.
" fo many Times by Craft and SubtlUy have deceived the People of their Money,
♦' and alfo have committed many heinous Felonies and Robberies, to the great
" Hurt and Deceit of the People that have come among.
2. " Be it therefore by the King our Sovereign Lord, the Lords Spiritual
" and Temporal, and the Commons, in this prefent Parliament aflembled, and by
" the authority of the fame ordained, eftabliflwd, and enafted, that from hence
" forth no fuch perfon be futfered to come within this the King's Realm ; and
" if they do, then they and every of them fo doing, fliall forfeit to the King
" our Sovereign Lord all their Goods and Chatties, and then to be commanded
" to avoid the Realm within Fifteen Days next after the commandment, upon
" pain of imprifonment ; and it fliall be lawful to every Sheriff, Juftice of Peace,
" and Efcheator to Seize to the ufe of our Sovereign Lord, his Heirs and
" Succeflors, all fuch Goods as they or any of them fliall have, and thereof
" *' to make account to our faid Sovereign Lord in his Exchequer ; and if it fliall
" happen any fuch Stranger to commit within this Realm any Robbery or any
" other Felony, and thereof be indifted, and arranged and to plead not Guilty,
" or any other Plea Triable by the Countiy, that then the Inqueft that fliall
" pafs between the King and any fuch perfon, fliall be altogether of Engliflimen,
" Albeit that the Party fo indided pray Medietatem linguae, according to the
" Statute of Aim'o 8 Henrlcl 6 or any other Statute thereof made.
3. " Provided Alway that the Egyptians now being in this Realm,
" have Monition to depart within Sixteen Days after Proclamation of this Statute
" among them fliall be made upon Pain of Imprifonment, and Forfeiture of
" their Goods and Chatties ; and if they then fo depart, that then they fliall
*' not forfeit their Goods nor any part thereof, this prefent Statute notwithflanding.
4. " Provided Alway That every fuch Perfon or Perfons, which can
*' prove by two Credible perfons, before the fame party that Seizeth fuch
" Money, Goods, or Chatties, of the fame Egyptians that any part of the fame
" Goods, Money, or Chatties, were craftily or Felonloufly taken or Stolen
" from him, fliall be incontinent reftored unto the fame Goods, Money, or
" Chatties, whereof he maketh fuch Proof before the fame party, that fo Seizeth
'" the fame Money, Goods, or Chatties, upon pain to -forfeit to the fame party
"* that maketh fuch proof, the double value of the fame adion of Debt, Bill,
" or
Notes to the Second Chapter. i8i
" orothciwlfc in nny of the King's Courts to be fued, ujxin fuch Action and
" Suit he fliall not be admitted to wage his Law, nor any Protection or Eflbin
" to be allowed; any Thing in this Ad to the contrary notwithftanding.
5. " Provided Always and be it further cnaftcd, That if any Juftice
■" of Peace, Sheriff, or Efcheator, which by authority of this Act, have power
" to take or Seize any Goods or Chatties ef any Egyptians, at any time here-
" , after do Seize or take the Goods or Chatties of any fuch Egyptians, that then
♦' every fuch Juftice, Sheriff, or Efcheator, doing the fame, fliall havcj keep^
*' and retain "to his own ufe, the Moiety of all fuch Goods fo by him f'eized;
" and of the other Moiety fo by him taken of Seized; fliall make anfwer and
" account to the King in his Exchequer, according to the Tenoiif of this prefent
" Aft; any thing in the fame A<ft contained to the contrary hereof notwith-
" ftanding: And that upon any Account hereafter to be made for the faid
" other Moiety of the fane Goods, the Accountant fliall pay no manner of
" Fees or other Charges, for his Account or Dlfcharge to be had in tlie King's
" Exchequer nor elfewhere.
(4) In the year 1 563, the fame,
(5) Notwithftanding thefe laws produced the good effeft of purgiflg the
country from all foreign Oipfies, it is evident that a confiderable number of their
brood remain to this time. fi'a/w»» as above, p. 321.
(6) Philip Thickni'Jfet Travels through France and part ef Catalonia, p. 162.
(7) The prefent King had thoughts of banifliing the whole race out of his
dominions — ^Their abode in the country, or their expulfion, feems a matter of little
confcqucnce, for the lofs would not be feverely felt, except ia the apparent
diminution of population. Sitiinb, trwvels through Spain, p. 231.
(8) Jc nc veux pas oublier de parler ici des Bohemiens, dont il y a un grand
nombre en Efpagne, fur tout en Murcie, aux environs de Cordove, dc Cadix et
de Ronda ; on en trouve en plufieurs pays de I'Europe— ifar nombre, a ce qu'oa
dit, Ttmnte en Efpagne n paffe 40000 tetes. Voyage en Portugal IS en Efpagne par
RicharJ TiuifSf Traduit de I'Anglois, Chap. 27. p. 204.
(9) Thefe pieces of information were related by a perfon who had long rcfided
la Italy.
(10) V. Ludv.\ -v. Hclherg, JiiJIfche Gefhichle, i^"' Bucb. Seit 695.
t-8a Notes to the Second Chapter^
(ii) Schivedi/che Biblicth. Scit. 265, 266.
(12) My uuthority for this Is the words of a le.irued perfon of Holfte'in.
refident at Gottingen: Catharine the fecond, preijious to her quilting Holjiein, took
away all the Ciffics, ivhicb lay about in the forejis there, in troops; and endeaiiTred
tt fettle them in /ome province of her dominions, but I do not knoiu ivhere.
(13) Vergl. Jacobi Tollii epiJlol<e itineraria. Epift. V. p. 201, und Brejlauer
Sammiungen, 33fter Verfijch. Artik. 7. S. 69. The Gipfies — . are to be found
near almoft all the Cities and Villages in Hungary.
(14) He refers to a Regifter, \vhich he faw at the office In Temefwar.
Verfuch einer politifhen und ?iatiirliche>i Gefchichte des Temef'warer Banats, Erfter
Th. 6'" Brief. Seit 196.
{15) Zingari -»- quando in Tfanffilvaniam- advolarint, in obfcuro eft; nulli
v€ro ignotum, eos aranearum inftar Tranffilvaniam perreptare. jfofeph Benk'o
franjfil'vania, T. I. § 167. p. 501, cfr. Kelpius in natalib. SaxonumTranJJil'jj.
Gap. II. § 14.
(16) Befchreibung der Moldau, 2'" Theil, Bey B'ufching Magazin, Tom. IV.
8,85.
(17) Sulzer Gefchichte des Tranfalfinifchtn Daciens, 2'" Baud, Seit 136. 146.
and Carra Hifloire de la Moldavie et de la Valachie p. 186. fpeaking of the Gipfies
in Moldavia and Wallachia, fays : Plufieurs de ces malheureux habitent les forets.
Peyffonntl alfo, p. 1 1 1 . On en trouve une prodigieufe nuiltitude dans — la
Walachie et la Moldavie.
(18) Peyffonnel, am angef. O. Lcs Athingans ou Tchingenes font en tres-
grand uombre aujourd'hui dans tout I'Emplre Ottoman ; mais ils font principale-
ment repandus dans la Romolle ou Turquie en Europe; orr en trouve une-
prodigieufc multitude dans toute la Thrace et la Bulgarie, dans la Walachie et
la Moldavie, la Beffarabie, et tous les Etats du Khan des Tartares. Vergl.
Neuerofnete Oltomanifche T forte, erfter Th. S. IJ3, Salmon gegennvdrliger
Staat des Tiirkifchen Reichs, erftsr Th. &.32I.
(19) T'urkifcher Schauplatz., Num. 106.
(20) Peyffonnel. am a. O. S. no. in.
(21) Salmon, am -.x. O. •
NOTE S
( i83 )
NOTES to the Third Chai-ter.
(i) Muajler in felner Cofmogrdphie, S. 310. Kranz Sad'fifihe Chronih,
tranflatcd by Fabcr Soninus, beym lahr 1417.
(2) Anxeigen aus din K. K. Erbldndern, 5'" Jahrg. S 349 ff.
(3) Thomajiusm diflbrt. de Cingaris, § 36. fcems to believe that the complexion
of the latter Gipfics was not cxaftly the fame as theirs who firft arrived. But
-all the later writers contradift this notion, even if we had not the Opportunity of
feeing with our own eyes, and to compare with the old paintings. The excoSi
foil of Angclus Rocha (Biblioth. vaticana p. 264.) will always apply, and
Negroes may perhaps not be the fame as Kranzs horrid, black people.
.(4) The breafts of the Hottentot women are fo large, that they hang down
below the navel. They carry their fucking children in a leathern fack at their
backs, the head leaning forwards, refting on the mothers fliouldcr. When the
child wants to be fed, they do not take it out of the fack to lay comfortably at the
breaft, but throw the breaft over the flioulder to them. S. Fogels zehenja&rige
Oflindifchen Rei/ebefchreibung, Seit 74, and Pctr. Kolben s Rei/e 4tn das yorgetiirge
der guten Hofnung, z"' Th. 462.
(5) Concerning the properties hitherto quoted, confult Gri/elini, p. 199.
jinzeigen aus den K. K. Erblandern, 5'" Jahrg. S. 350: And S-winburne, p. 230.
hcs the following words " Their men are tall, well built, and fwarthy, with
a bad fcowling eye, and a kind of favorite lock of hair left to grow down
before their ears, which rather increafes the gloominefs of their features : their
women arc nimble and fupplc jointed; when young they are generally hand-
for.ne, with very fine black cye>5; when old, they become the worft favored
hags in nature.
(6) Anzeigen aus den K. K. Erbl. am a. O. und Winn Gedanken mom
Stadt und Landbetteln, S. 32. They (the Gipfies) run fo fait, th.it it is
very difficult to overtake them.
(7) Anzeigen aus den K. K. Erb/HnJern. S. 351.
(8) Thomas, differt. de Ciiigaris § 63. Jnzeigen, Seit 238. Jo. Ge.
■Eccardi diff. de u/u et pra-Jiantia Jiudii eiymologici in hi/loria. Helmft. 1707.
"Num. I.
(9) Ebeft
184 Nous to the Third Chapter.
(9) Bben das, S, 351. Glpfies are therefore by no means a proof of thfr
opinion that a black muft remain many centuries in the country of white people
l)efore he becomes white, as Huartet believes. Scrutin iugenior, p. 499,
NOTES to the Fourth Chapter..
(i) Jtizetgen aus den K. K. E>-hl. 5"' Jahrg. Seit. 286. f.
(2) Breflauer Samnil. won Natur und Mtdicln Gejcl?tchten, Sonimerquartal,
J725. They (the Gipfies in Hungary) eat the carcafes of horfes, cow:s, flicep
he. which have been thrown out upon the dunghlll-
(3) Jnzeigen, am a. O.
(4) Brijlauer Samml. am a. O. Und Anzeigen, Seit. 328.,
(5) Anzeigen, S. 286.
(6) They g«t fick and dead cattle from the inhabitants, the flfefh of which
they dry in the fun or fmoak in their huts, then confume it ahnoft raw, and
without dreffing, as a great delicacy. Sammlung iiqn Natur uttd Median Gejch.
am ang. O.
(7) I was in hopes to have procured a circumftantial cxtraft from the ASis
'which nxiere prepared on this occajioii, but being difappointed in my expeftations,
1 can only refer to the publick prints, and fhall tranfcribe their intelligence
entire, as many of my readers may not have an. opportunity of procuring them.
Beytrage zum Reichs Pojfreuler, St. 71. 1782, On the 21ft. of Auguft
there was a dreadful execution at Frauenmark in the Hortenfer Country.
Thirteen delinquents, Gipfies, who had exifted twelve years by robbing on
the highway, and were acquftomed to eat the bodies of thofe they had mur-
dered, were brought to punifliment. Four of them were women, who were
beheaded ; of the remaining nine men, fix where hanged, two were broken
nn the wheel, and the leader of this inhuman gang was quartered alive.
It is faid that one hundred and fifteen more, of thcfe European cannibals, re-
iiis.in ill the county goals.
(8)
Noies to the Fourth Chapter. iSj;
(8) Ilambuv!;. Nine ZcUung, i:,i. St. 1782. Hungary, 4.th of September.
The following' is to be added concerning the murderers and mancatcrs.
Forty of thcfe mifcreants have already undergone their deferved punifluncnt,
in three fcparate places. Some, as lately communicated, were broken upon
the wheel from below upwiuds, two of the moll atrocious were quartered
nlivc ; and the remainder, one hundred and fifteen in number, will Ihortly
be proceeded againft in the fame manner. This band has exlfted twenty-one
years, and in the courlc of that time facrificed eighty tour people to their cruelty.
Every feeling man muft be ftruck with horror at the infernal rage of thefr
European Ciinnlbals, on hearing their confelTion, that once at a wedding, thc\-
killed three people which they eat with their guells, in the greateft feftivity
and joy. They prefer the flefli of a young perfon from fxxteen to eighteen years
old. They burnt the bones, which, according to their account, make excellent
coals. A Life guard man of the coimtry imdertook and fucceeded in taking
their Harumpafcha or Leader. This cannibal hero was magnificently drefled,
and wore ornaments in his cap to rhe value of fix thoufand guilders.
Hamburg, Unpartheiifcl}. Correfponiknt, Nr. 159, 1782. Hungary, 22d
September. Befides thofe Gipfey cannibals which were executed on the 2 2d
of Auguft, at P'raumark, there were fifteen of thefe barbarians put to deatli on.
the twenty fourth at Kameza ; and on the twenty fixth, thirteen more at Efabrag.
In the former place were tcven women beheaded, five men hanged, t^vo
broken alive on the wheel, and one quartered alive. At the latter place
feven women were beheaded, four men hanged, and two broken on the wheel.
Many (Kll remain in confinement, among which is one, who a6led as prieft,
and married people for two grofchens a time. Their Harumpafcha, who, as
we lately advifed, was taken by a very fimple ftratagcm, carmot yet be brought
to any confeffion of his crimes.
Franlfurter Staats Rijlretto, Nr. 1J7, 17S2. Donau ftrohm, 29 September.
We mention with horror, that befides thole inhuman wretches, which have
already been put to the fword, in Hungary, there arc one hundred and fifty
llill in chains, and fome thoufands more are, with good foundation, fufpecSled.
They are ' all Gipfies. Maria Therefa had given orders, that all thefe human
-vermin, lliould be driven from their holes, and compelled to live in villages:
Bb but
186 Notes to the Fourth Chapter,
but that wife regulation was not enforced, and the evil is now grown- to fuch a,
height as fcarce to be remedied without a total extirpation of them. Beiides
thofe cannibals, &c. then follows what was recited in the foregoing article.
Franlifurter Staats Rijlrctto, Nr. 207, 178^. Donau Strohm, 24 December.
Not long ago it was publiflied, that forty five of the meneaters had been exe-
cuted in Hungary. One hundred and fifty ftill remain in prifon, whole
fentence has, by cxprefs orders from court been refpited. Her Mujefty not
thinking it poffible that the people, in confinement, could have been guilty of
fuch enormous crimes; fent a comniiflary thither from court, to examine
minutely into the aftair. On his return it was confirmed that they were really:
meneaters ; and that there are actually among them fons who have killed and
eaten their own fathers.
(8) See the former note.
yj (9) Thomas, diifert. de Citigaris, § 62. Salmon gcgemivdrtiger Staat des
TiirhfcljCH Reicbs, ifter Th. S. 321.
(10) Anzcigen aits den K. K. EM. 5'" Jahrg. Seit 304.
(11) V. Wagenfeil, Pera libror. jwvenilium, Locul. II. Syiiopf. Geogr..
p. 135. feqq.
(12) Salmon, am a. O.
(13) Grifelini, Ver/uch einer foliti/chen und naturlichen Gefch. des Teme/iv.
Banats, Erft. Th. Seit 201.
(14) S//lzfr Gr/c/jictjle des Tranfalpinifelien Daciens, 2ter Th. S. 14O.
(15) AnMtgcn ans den K. K. Erbl. ^ter Jahrg. S. 287.
(16) Ehen das, S. 303.
(17) Anzeigea aus den K. K. ErhUindcrn, am angef. O. S. 288.
(18) Wherefore Mart. Kelpe aU'erts ( Natales Saxon. Tratijilvan. Cap.
n. § 14. not. c.) Quicquid lucrantur Cauponas & amiftui impendunt, &c.
(19) Brandy is a neceflary thing at their chriilenings, weddings, and all
merry ntakings. They reckon thofe days, when they have been tumbling
about in a ftate of drunkennefs, having loft all power of recoUeflion, the beft,
jnoft fortunate, and happicft times of their lives. Anzeigen, am a. O.
(20) Anzcrgen, am angef. O. S. 287.
"■■■ ^i«— aBasffiMa^y w' wi..
NOTES
( i87 )
NOTES to the Fifth Chapter.
(i) Stumpf, Schweitzer Chronik, Blatt 425. They poflcircd much gold and
Silver, but were very ill cloathcd.
(2) Kranz. in Saxofiia, Buch 2. K;ip. 2. Bl. 239. Their Piinccs, the Counts
and Noblemen among them, are well drcfled.
(3) Anzeigen, am angef. O. S. 310. imd njon Windifch Geographic des K'a-
nigreichs Ungarn. iftcr Th. S. 49.
(4) Hijloirc de la Moldavic, fe* de la Falachie, p. 186.
(5) ^«z. S. 310. 313.
(6) Am angef. Ort. S. 311. 312.
(7) Mart. Kelpius, in 'Natalibus Saxonum 7'ranjllvan, C. II, § 14. not. c.
Quicqviid lucrantur, Caupona St amiifui impendunt, qui Ita fibi cohaeret,
us pilcus puniceus, veftis item ex holoferico vel panno rubro fatis habeatur
ornament!, etiamli caligarum & calceorum rimae & affutorae, vcl Hcraclito
rifum moveant.
(8) Jofeph Benkh\ Trayiffll-vatiia, Tom. I. § 167. nat. 2. p. 105. Veftes
geftant potilTimum Hungaricas — vix tamen fub fole eft natio hac fuperbior,
Magnatum et Nobilium amiftu, poftquam illis ufus ejus exolevit, deleftontur.
(9) Jlnzeigcn, am angef. O. S. 309. f.
(10) V. 1). Windifch Geographic da Konignichs Ungarn, Th. i. S. 49.
•und Anzeigen, S. 310.
(11) Benin, TranJUil'van. T. I. pag. 504.
(12) Angelus Rocha in Bibliotheca Vaticana, p. 364. Veftibus immundi &
ufu rerum fsedi prsfenim fxminse. And Kranz fays the fame thing in Saxonia,
2te3 Buch, Kap. 2.
(13) V. T, Windifch, am angef. O. Benkli, 1. c.
(14) Anzeigen, am a. O.
(15) As above, . . . About forty years ago. Ladies, of the firft quality
in Pcterfljurg, ufed to be guilty of fomewhat the fame kind of irregularity.
They had begun to adopt the French modes in drefs inftead of their own ; but,
as Salmon fa)s, did not well know how to manage them. Wherefore, he
B b 2 continues.
l88 Notes to the Fifth Chapter.
continues, one nuift not be furprifcd, notwithftanding all the llatc of a Pc-
terfburg Lady, to meet one of them, m fummer, at which fea:fon they ide
the Englifli ftraw hats, magnificently dreiled in damafk, ornamented with
gold, filver, lace, and ribbons, walking barefooted, carrying her flippers iii
her hand. Staat alter Natioticn in Europa. Altona und Leipz. 1752. S. 43.,
(16) Swiiiiurne's Tra've/s tiro' Spain, pa. 231. Their ears and necks are
loaded with trinkets and baubles, and moft of them wear a large patch on
each temple.
(17) This circumftance was related to me by a perfon from Tranfilvania, who
had been an eye witnefs of it.
NOTES to the Sixth Chapter.
( 1 ) Philip nicliiicjfi:'' i Rcij'cii Jure/} Frankr, und eiiioi Tlxil "Von CatalonicKy
S. i6;. der teutfch. Ueberf.
(2) This particularly applies to thofe Gipfies which in Tranfilvania arc
called ]\Ioldavian. Anzeigeit aus den K. K. Erbl. i;ter Jahrg. S. 294. — Per-
haps they warm themfelves in the fame manner as the Calmucks do, who
live contlantly under their Kibitken (Tents). Thefe have the appearance of
large waggoners frocks, with an aperture in the middle, ferving for a chimney,
which is flopped, as foon as the fire is burnt out, in order to keep in the heat.
Sieh Salmon gegiwuiartiger Staat alter Kationen in Europa. Aus dem Englifchca
iiberf. von Elias Cafpar Rcictiard. Altoua und Lpz. 1752. 4 Seite 516.
(3) A/meigcn, am a. O.
(4) Eie.'i das. Benkd, Tranjfii'v. p. 505.
(5) Salmon's Hijlor. oder, der gege?nviirtige Staat des Tiirkifehen ReicL:,
Th. I. S. 322. That vyas alfo the euftora among them when they firft
arrived in Europe. Kranz, in Sa.\o>iia, 2 Buch, Kap. 2. fays. They often
barter away their liorfes, as the generality of them travel on foot. They
carry their women, bed, apparatus, and fmall children on horfes or fomi
kind of beads.
(,6) Salmon, am angef. O. Anzcigen, S, 295.
(7) Crifelinii,
No/es to the Sixth Chapter. \ 189
(7> Grifelinl, Gefihichle des Temc/wanr Ba.tals, Th, I. SciW J04v f.
lic'd-ii, 1. c. p. 505.
(8) Brcjlauer Sammlungen^ Salmon, u. a. m.,
(g) An%eigcn, S. 295.
(10) Grifelinl, am ged;ichtcn O. . . Aimeigcn, S, 396, 303.
(11) Benkli, 1. c. Anzeigen, S. 395, 304.
(12) An den angef. Oiten.
'(13) Slump/, Sc/jKvcizer Chronik, Bl. 425. Sic trugciul vil gold und filbcr^
NOTES to the Seventh Chapter..
( I ) S-vuinburne's Travels through Spain, p. 230.
{2) Brcjlauer Sanimluiigeii, am angef. O. . . Anzclgeti, jter Jahrg, S. 318.
(3) Bcllon. Ohjh-'vat. Lib. II. c. 41. • . PcyJJonncl, Obfervalions Hijl. fs" Geogr.
p. III. Memoiresfiir la Falacljic, par Mr. tie Baivr, Francfort & Leipz. 1778,8,
p. 48. u. a. m.
(4) Bellon. 1. c. hi eiTones (Zingani) per Grsciam, jEgyptum ct reliqiuun
Turcarum dominium ferrariam artem exercent.
(j) Georgii. Pray, Annates Regg. Hungaria, P. IV. p. 273. Frietkvaltlfzky.,
Miuera'ogia TranJil'V. P. 11. p. 33. feqq.
(6) If.huatiffi, Hijloriar. L. XXII. p. 453.
(7) Sivinburne's Tra'vels through Spain, p. 230. — moft of the men are makers
of little iron rings and other trifles. Vcrgl. Anxeigen aus ilen K. K, ErhU
i;rcr Jahrg. S. 319. f. GriJ'elini, Gefihichtc desTemefivarer Banats, Th, i.S. 107.
Others work in their huts, making rings, earrings, hooks, neckchains, and other
trifles of tin or French plate.
(8) Aiizeigaiy am ang. O. Brcjlauer Sanunlungen, am ang. O.
(9) Anxeigcn aus den K. K. Erbldndern, (;ter Jahrg. S. 303, 3 1 8. Grifelitii,
Gefchlchte des Tern. Banats, S. 207.
(10) Carra, Hijloire de la Moldavic, i^ de la Valachie, a JaflTy 1777, 8. p. 186.
lis out unc forge port;uive. Anxeigen aus den K. K. Erbl. und Grifeluu, aa
d<;c
1^0 Notes to the Seventh Chapter.
dcii angef. Oi'{en, Snlze>; Gcfchicbte ties Tranfalplnifcljen Dacieiis, atcr Bd.
S. 145.
(11) Grifellni, am genannten O. S. 207. When they want to harden iron,
they prefer heath faggots, to make their coals ot. Belloiiius, Obfervafionum,
Libr. II. c. 41. Ipfimet carboncs fuos cxcoqiumt, ut eos, intelleximus, qui ex
eric.-e Jiipitihus et raiticibus parantur, ad ejufmodi opera omnium aptiffimos effe
cenfunt ; ferrum enim bidurare credantur.
(12) jinzeigen, S. 318. f.
(13) Bellontus, I.e. fays, ferrariam artem exercent, ' atque inter eos excellcntes
liiveniuntcr in ea re artifices, v. alfo. Salmon, gegeniviirtiger Staat da T'urhifchcn
Reichs, Th. i. S. 322. Sulzer Gefchichtc des Tranfalpinifchen Daciens, Bd,
2. S. 145. u. a.
(14) Anzeigen, am angef. O.
(15) Elen dafelhjl, Grifelini, am angef. O.
(16) In very earfy times, they muft have liked dealing in horfcs, as may
be feen in XrawZj {Seichjifche Chronicle, 2in '^. Kap. 2)
(17) Some years ago, a Gipfey, named David, lived in Debreczin, who almoll
conftantly kept from fixty to feventy of the bell horfes, that were bred in that
country ; fome of which he let out for hire, others he exchanged or fold for
-money. Anxcigcn, aus den K, K. EM. Jahrg. 5. S. 320.
(18) Elcn das.
(19) Vide Dicionario de las Iciiguas efpanola y francefa. For Franc, Sohrino,
T. I. edit. 6. art. Gitaneria
(20) Sch'-Jiedifche Bibliothek, Stockholm und Lpzg. 1729. St. 3. Seit 265. f.
(21) Anzeigen, aus den K. K, Erbldndcrn, am gedachten O. S. 327.
(22) Wolfgang Franz, Hifi. Anim. Part. III. Cap. IV. p. 580. de Anguilta
(Amflelod. 1666) Zigani dicvmtur, anguillas equis per anum inferere, ut inflati
fali-ant, & alacriores videantur.
(23) Anzeigen, am a. O. S. 328. vergl. General v. Bauers Mcmoircs fur
la Falaihic, p. 24, Carra Hifi. dc la Moldavie t^ dc la Valachic, p. 186.
Bcnk'ii Tranflvan. T. I. p. 505. Sulzer, am ged. O.
-(24) Grifelini, Seit 20:,. u. a. m.
.(2.5) Feyjjoimcl, Obfervations Hifi. et Geogr. p. III. Sulzer, am ang. O. S. 146.
(26)
Nfl/es to the Seventh Chaptei\ 191
(26) Anzeigen, jter Jahrg. S. 302.
(27) S-whii/irnc's Travels through Spahi, p. 231, Theii" abode in the coun-
tiy— — would not be Icverely felt, — as they are of little or no fcrvicc in the
ftate, neither cultivating its lands, Sic.
(28) Anzeigeit, am angef. O. S. 335. Bcnku Tratijil'vaii, Tom. I. p. 502.
They tranfaded this kind of bufinefs ia the military line, Nicholas Ifthuanfti
fays; fecuti erant caftra Vaivodx (Joannis fcepucienfis 15 13) cjuam pluriml
ex vagis illis, quos Cinganos valgus appellat, viliiTiraum & abjeftilfimum
hominuin genus — iu Tranlilvania & utraque Valachia toitorum iafamem opcram.
excrcere folitum. His Vaivoda negotium & curam excarnificandoruui cap-
tivorum committlt. IJlhuanffi Hifloriar. Libr, V. p. 73.
(29) Toppelihi Orig. (s" occai. Tranjihan. Cap. VI. p. i;6. Habent etiam
vllcs familias & abonilnabilcs ab ipfis Cyngaris contemtas unde per univerfam
TranClvaniam carnifices iiunt, horrendi, crudeles, tctri & iinpii. Ifti Cyngari
carnifices incredibilcra ac per ulteriorem orbcm Chriftianum infuetum torturse
modum introduxeruiu. Ciiininaliter convictos, vcl per fcmiplcnas probationes
fufpertos nialcfoftores traduut in manus iftorum; qui ignes couftruunt prompti^
folles admovent, eifque liti auras recipiunt redduntquc, cstcra inftn.imenta
ctiarn exponuut, forcipcs nimirura, virgas fcrrcas & laminas, facem pice im-
pcxara, &c.
(30) Anzeigen am a. O. S. 328.
(31) M'unjier CoJ'mographic, S. 370. Angelas Rocha, BihUoth, Vaticana,
p. 364. And, in den AiiKcigen aus den K. K. Erbliiiulern, Seit 318. it is
related to be the cuftom among thofe Gipfies in Tranliivania who talk
German, that the men neither beg nor work, but are maintained and fupported
by their wives.
(32) Tivifs Voyage en Portugal iS en Efpagne, Traduit de I'Anglois, p..
205. Tous Iturs hommes font voleurs, & Ics femmes proftituees.
(33) Belloii. Obfervaticn. Libr. II. c. 41. Iftorum (of the Gipfies)
uxoribus privilegio a Turcis impetrato fefe proftituere publice licet cum Chrift-
tianis, turn Turcis; adefque habent in Pera multis cubiculis inftruftas, quo
quilibet libere ingrcdi poteft, fine uUo Turcici Magiftratus metu : ubi continue
duodena ad mmimum mulieres verfantur. Fergl. TurkiJ'chcn Schauplaiz, num.
106.
192, No.'es to the Seventh Chapter.
106. The Gipfey women, at Pera, have permiffion from the Sultan, to keep
a publick brothel, without paying any tax for it to the Sultan. This houfe
was formerly the cloifter Blachcm'd dedicated to the A'irgin Ma?y, and renowned
for the many miracles worked there. Vide Cantemir, Gefch. di's OjmaTiifcl.\
Reiil's. S. 153. Not. 18.
(34) Leurs femmcs & leur fiiles s'appliquent, ordinaircment a acquerir &
perfeftionner les talents des Courtifanes de Turquie.— Elles fe proftituent fouvent
aux paflans ; il y a meme dans toute la Roqielie, les lieux publics, remplis
de fe]iinies Bohemiennes. Peyjfomid, p. 1 1 1 .
(35) PeyJj'oiDiel, I.e. p.m. Leurs femjTies & fiiles s'appliquent ordinairement
a acquerir & perfcLtionner les talents, des Courtifanes. — La Mufiquc vocale &
ififtrumentale, & la dance iafcive. Genauer redet davon Grifclini, am angef. O.
S. 209. Vergl. Sulzci; Gcfchichte ttei Tranfatpinifchen Dacicns, 2ter Bd. S. 146.
Anzeigen, 5tcr Jahrg. S. 238, f. — Befides other Englifli writers of travels, (e. g.
Tiwfi voyage, p. 288.) Siviniurnc, p. 231. mentions, the Gipfey dances in Spain,
faying that they were danced *' with a peculiar turn of humour or tendemefs."
An explanation of which jnay be found in the above quoted writers.
(36) In the year 1628, The very exiftence of a Deity was proved by it in France.
V. Marini Merfcnni, ^lajllones in Gen. Lntetuv, 1623, p. 102.
(37) '• Rodolphl Gohlenii, befondcre phyjiognomlfclje mid chiromantifche Anmerh.
Aus dem Lat. uberf. Hamb. 1692, S. 210.
(38) Grifelini, am angef. O. S. 207, 108.
(39) Tivlfs J'oyage, Chap. 27. p. 205. II y en a beaucoup qui ticnnent
auberge dans des villages, & des petites villes. Davon auch, p. 206, 258.
Such Innkeepers fometimes even keep a French cook. Je logeai a Grenade,
dans une auberge tenue par des Bohemiens : man un traitciir Francois nous y
pcrtoit a manger. Khen dai. S. 261.
(40) Peyjfonnel^ am angef. O.
(41) Exercent artes manuarias, quibus fe tuentur, uti et coemundis divi-
<lendifque, qias claneulum ad ipfos deferuntiir ?ncrcibus. Jac. Tollii epijiola: Itinera?,
Epift. V. p. 201.
(42) Jlni;eigen, 6tcr Jahrg. S. 14,
.,(43) Befihrcihing des Kiinigr, Uiigarn, S. 27, 748.
(44) Brejlaiifr
Notes to the Seventh Chapter, . 19J
(44) B.cJlauerSammhngcn, 1725.8.69. Anzelgcn, 6ter Juhrg. S. 13. Verg!.
5tcr Jahig. S. 327. Almana,:!} -jon Ungarn, vom Jahr 17.78, Prcfibuig, S. 339,
Gli/clini, S. 207. Ecnkii Tranfilv. T. I. p. 501.
(4O Pryjfomid, ;im angct. O. Sulzci; Gefchichte deiTranfalpinifchen Dac:cns,
3ier BJ. S. 13. f.
(46) Siviii&urMe's Travels through Spain, p^23W
(47) The laid College of Mons, was eftabllflied in the year 1748, by- the
Emprefs There/a, and received Inftruftions, in the feventh article of which, the
Gipfies were allowed the privilege of wafliing for Gold in the following words i
Zingaris, qui ad Ami loturam exercendam privileg'mtos in Tranfilvania coetus
obtinent, . eadem qux ceteris auri lotoribus competant quidem privilegia, ne taincn
hxc in odium dominorum terreftriom convertant, in horum terrltoriis non diu-
tiorum, quam auri lotura requireret, moram faciant ; (The fame article ordains
thus with regard to other goldwafhers : Auri lotoribus cujufcunque ordinis
hominibiis in alpibus, fluminibus et rivis non folum tridui fpatio, fed quoufque illis
libuerit, profeffionem fuam excrccrc, integrum fit ; neque per territorioruin Patronos
ullatenus irapedianttir) fccus ad Judicium Montanijlicuvi deferendi, et ab hoc
coercendi funr. Reliquis autem Zingaris, coctibus prafatis non infertis, cxercitium
auri loturx per abfohitum et univcrfum prohibitum fit, V. Joffph Benko, TrauJil'V.
T. II. § 22. n, 1. p. 73. coll, p. 501.
(48) Gdieral'j. Bauer, Memoiresfur la Valachic, p. 86. Sulzer, am a.O.S.144.
(49^ Anzeigen, 6ter Jahrg. S. 152.
(50) Cantemir, BefJireibung der Mohlau, ifter Th. in BufJiitigs Miigaz,
Tom, 3. S. 566.
(51) Ba-vir. Alcmoires, I. c. Sulz,er, am ged. O.
(52) Anz. i)t.ex Jahrg, S. 152. Vergl. Brejleuer Sa?nml. 1725, S. 69,
(53) Kcrfuch einer Gefihichte des Tern. Baiiati, S. 206,
(54) V, von Born, Briefe iiber miner alogifche Gegenjlandc, S, 88,
(55) Bazvr, Mi-m. Verg. Sulzcr, am anget, O,
(56) Jnzc'gcn aus den K. K. Erbldndcrn, 6ter Jahrg, S. 152,
(57) Borns Briefe, S. 77, 82.
(58) '^l^LAk.h.ndt'c Franx Dcmjlher, bey Bergrabt von Born, in dea ailgezogenen
Briefen, S. 88. f.
Cc. (59) 'J,
■I 54 Notes !o the Scvenlh Chapter.
(^9) V. Born, I4ter Brief, S. 134. Fri((hvalilfx,ky Mincyahg'uxTranJthoanla,
V. II. § 2. de Ami lotura.
(60) Thcfe have been their peculiar employments, time out of mind. All
the old writers complain of it, and even Aventin vents his dlfpleafure in the
following words. " The world is fiill fo blind as to he deceived into a belief
" that they (the Gipiics) arc a holy fet of people, that whoever injures them
" mufl be unfortunate. They are permitted to rob, ftcal, lie, deceive in various
" ways, fet every body at defiance, and difperfe all over the country. Among
*' us Healing and robbing are prohibited under pain of hanging or beheading,
" but to them it is allowed." V. Amiales Boiorum, nach der Tcutfchen ubeifetz,
StcrB. S. 835.
(61) Anzeigen, jter Jahrg. S. 376. vergl, S. 328,
(62) Brcjlaner Samml, 1725. S. 69.
(6-5) M'uiijlcr Cofmograjihie, S. 370. The Gipfics arc a black, wild, filthy
people, much addifted to thieving, particularly the women, who by that means
provide for the men. So likewife Kranz, in fciner SacbJiJ'Lhcn Chroaik. 2tes B.
Kap. 2. Angel, Rocha Bibl. Katkan. p. 364. Furtis omnino intcnti (Crngani)
&i. pr^fertim foemtna, es quarum furtis viftus eft viris.
(64) A'izcige?!, 5ter Jahrg. S. 239. 319
(6j) Ebcn das, S. 2^8. 239. Hiiiin, -vom Stnilf- und Land-hclteln,
(66) JirrJIatier Saninil, i'ok Nairn- Kud Mcdicingefchichlen, 1721;, S. 69. They
hurt nobody, nor fteal any thing but iron, &c. S-ivini. Travels, p. 230. They
feldom venture upon any crimes that inight endanger their lives ; petty
larceny is the utmojl extent of their roguery.
(on) Philip Tbicknefs Relfen durch Frankr. tind cincn tlyeil von Catalonien,
nach der teutfchen Ubers. S. 162. The vvorft kind of beggars arc the fwarms
of male and female Gipfies, I have often met whole troops of them in Spain,
and the encounter is by no means pleafant, vvhcn one falls in with them
-on the road, at a diftance from towns or habitations; for they afk as if they
kiiew you could not refufe them, and frequently commit murder ivhcn a
convenient opportunity offers. In other places they are not better. With
■regard to the Gipfey flaves in Moldavia, and thofe parts, Peyjfonnel fays
v^Ajhvations hiJL (sf geograph. p. 112) — (ju'ils pouifent fouvent I'infidclitJ
jufcjuci
Notes to the Seventh Cbapteu 195
jvifc]^v\M ;i voter i^ ajfajjiner Iciirs Muitrcs. Vergl. Anzcig, . l^zx Jahrg. S, ^^t^^,
360. Giifelhii, Siilzcr, ii. a. in.
(68) jinzeigfK, am gedachten O. S. 360.
(69) Thus the Spanifli Gipfies attacked the city Logrono in order to.
pUiader it, whi'e the phigue raged there, and the inhabitants were weak
and defencelcfs. Franc. Ferdinand, de Cordova Didafcal multi^ p. 406.
NOTES to the Eighth Chapter.
(i) Tofpeltin orig. ty occas, Trarifilvan. C. 17. p. 56. Anzeigcn, am, a. O.
S. 240.
(2) Salmon gegeniviirtiger Staat desTiirki/chen Reichs,T\\. I. S. 321.
(3) Recoiled the pricft, who was found among the men eaters who were
arretted in Hungary, and performed the marriage ceremony, for two good
grofchens each time.
(4) Toppeltin, L c.
(5) Tivij'i I'oynge, p. :o^. lis ne fe marient OjU'entrc eux.
(6) Cantemir Befihr. der Moldau, Th. 2. bey Biifch. Mag. Tom. IV.
S. 85. Befides the Moldavians, Moldavia is inhabited by Greeks, and the
fruitful Gipfies. Toppeltin Orig. (sf occas. Tratijil'van. c. VI. p. .56. Adeo
foccundi furJ, ut non fine rifu afpicias felicillimas matres liberis feptas, velud
ftipatas gallinas pullis.
(7) This circumftance has given rife to the belief that Gipfies had their,
children babtized in alchoufes. 7oppeltin, 1. c. Infantes en caupona facris fuis
imtiant, quern actum nsfarie Baptiimum vocant.
(8) Anxeigen, jter Jahrg. S, 237.
(9) Ahafuer. Fritfchii diatribe de Cingarorum origine cet Memb. III.
Tiirhjcljcr Schauplatz, Num. 106. Und vorziiglich eliie S;ebenburgi,'ch,
Siichfifche Policey verordnung, vom Jahr 166 1, wo es heilit. Their (the
Gipfies) children Ihall be baptized only at the place where they were bom,
acd that fliall be well authenticated, v. Aazeigen, 6ter Jahrg. S. 64
Cc 3 (10)
■x$6 Notes to the Eighth Chapter.
* (lo) Swinburne^ s Travels, p. 230, Anzeigcn, ^ter Jahr. 238.
(ii) Anzeigeti, am gcnannt. O. S. 238 — 240
(12) Eben das, S. 375.
(13) nomas. DiJJert. de Chigaris, § 67.
(14) Anzeigen, am angef O.
(15) Siippofe a Gipfey, well diefled after his fafliion, receives a beating,
or flogging in the publick market place, on account of fome theft or other
mifdemeanor: he only divefts himfelf of his conceit and pride, as long as
the punifljment and its attendant pain laft, but as foon as thefe are over,
he rcflefts no longer on his fhame, but continues to entertain jull as good
an opinion of himfelf as before, AiiT^eigen, ^ter Jahrg, -S. 373. f.
NOTES to the Ninth Chapter.
(i) In regard to this chapter fee T-wifs Voyage, chap. 27. p.
Anxcigcn aus den K. K. EM, 6ter Jahrg. Seit 134, — 136.
NOTES to the Tenth Chapter.
(i) Sdchjifche C.hronili, 2tes Buch, Kap. 2. 239.
(2) Cofmograplne, S. 370.
(3) Ajinal. Svevic. P. III. p. 384.
(4) Lud. Ant. Murator. rerum Italkaruni fcriptor, T. XVIII. ad Ann.
1422. p. 61 1,
(5) Annal. Bolor. 8tes Buch S. 835. der teutfch. ueberf.
(6) Criifius, 1. c. p. 384, 401, 510.
(7) Anxeigen aus den K. K. Erbl. 6ter Jahr. S. 103.
(8) Eben das. For inftance, the above mentioned Letter of Licence, given
by King Uladillaus II. in 1496, to a certain Gipfey Waywode, named
JJjomas Polgar, in order that he might, with his hord, be affiftant to Bifliop
■ Sisjifmund
No/es lo the Tenth Chapter. Tt97
Sigiiinund, at Fliiifkirchen, in the war. Pray Annal. Rs^g- Hung. P. IV.
Lib. IV. ail anil. 1496, p. 273. Fiicdivaldfzlcy Mi/ieralogia, V. 11. p. 33. leqc).
(9) Anzfigen am gcnannt O. Jof<ph Bciik'o Trarijil-van. Tom. ;. p, 506.
(10) Sometimes other matters, alio, c. g. all kinds of Smith's Work, as
r.iay be fccn in the Latin Manufcript containing a defcription of the country
of Zips, wherein arc the following words : Parent (Cingani) fuprcmo terrs
fcepulicnfis Comiti, cul trlbutum annuum pcndunt, ac infuper laborcs aliqiios
fabriles atri hi vulcani praeftant S. jinzeigen, 6ter Jahrg. 152.
(11) Anno 1558, articiiclus talis de iis coiwiltus fuerat: Vaivodx Cinganorum,
j-u.xta vetereni confuetudineui, a fingulis Clnganis Ron nifi florcuum unicum
intra annum exigant ; ad Georgii Feftum denar 50, ad Michaelis totidcm.
Benkli, 1. c.
(12) The following are two commiffions of Queen Ifabella, given in the
year 1557, whereby it appears, that it was a particular mark of favor to be
appointed Superiatendant of the Gipfies.
Litter* pro Waywodis Cyganorum, Cafparo Nagy & Francifco Balatfi.
Ifabella Dei Gratia Regina Hungaria:, Dalmatiae, Croatia:, &c. Fidelibus
noftris tiniverfis & fingulis, Speftabinbus, Magnificls, Egregiis, Nobilibus, item,
Prudentibus, & circiunfpeftis judicihus, civibus civitatum, oppidorum & villa-
rum, & aliorum quorumcunque locorum prxfeftis, 'cunftls ctiam aliis cujus
cunque flatus & conditionis hominibus, in Regno noftro Tranlilvanii, prasfen-
tium notitiam habituris, falutem & gratiam. Quoniam nos ofticium Wayvo-
datus Cvganorum, in Regno noftro Tranfilvanise cxiftentium; Fidelibus noftrie
egregiis Cafparo Nagy & Francifco Balatfi, Auls noftr« Familiarlbus, una cum
confuetls & debitis ejufdem proventibus clementer dedimus & contulimus. Fi-
delitati igitur veftr.^ & veftrorum cuilibet horum ferie mandamus firmiter, ut
jpfos Cafparum Nagy & Francifcum Balatfi in prasfcripto officio ipforum ubique
abfque uUo impedimento circa antiquam confuctudinem libera procedere, folitofque
proventus & debita Birfagia ab ipfis exlgi permittere, quin potius ficubi neceffi-
tas poftulet, ipfis adjumento & prsfidio efle debeatis & teneamini. Quod fi
forte quifpiam ipfos, Cafparum Nagy & Francifcum Balatfi, in proceflu officii
ipforum & perceptlone proventuum ex eodem ofiicio Wayvodatiis Cziganorum
•ipfis provcnirc debentium, quoquo modo impedire voluerit, ex tunc is ad 1 5.
diem,
jpt! Notes to the Te.-'tb Cbapte-f,
diem, a die quo pra-'fentibus adraouiti\s iuerit, in Cuiia nollra Rcgiiiali, iioftrHm-
fcilicet in praElciitiain peribnalem, vel prociiratorcm fuum legltimum comparere-
debeat vol teneatur, radonem fupcrinde redditurus efficacem. Secus igitur
non faduri, prsfentibus perleftis, exliibenti reftitutis. Datum in Collolinonaftra.
decimo Quarto die Septembris, Anno Doniini MlUelimo quingcntefimo cjuin-'-
quagellmp feptimo,
Ilabella Regina, mppr.
Litt. Ifabclls pro Cziganorum Wayvodls, pro Francifco Balatfi de Kifkend.,
No3 Idibella, Dei Gratia, Regina Hungaris, Dabnutire, Croatia, &;c. memo-
riae mandamus per prsefentes, quod, nos confiderantes fidclitatem, ac fidcUum.
fervitiorum gratuita mcrita Egregii D, Balatfi de Kiikend fidelis noflrl, qux idem
pro locorum & temporum diverfitate Npbis ii. Serenifs. Filio noftro Eltfto Rcgi.
Hungarize, &c. cum I'umma fidelitatis conftantia exhibuit & impendit. Hoc
igitur intuitu eundem- in numerum Aulicorum nolirorum equis ofto recepimus,-
ac in fortem falarii annualis fui, offigium Wayvodatus Pharaonum ac Cziganorum
ubique in ambitu havura partium Rcgni noftri Tranfilvanis, pro media parte
eidem Francifco Balatfi duxiraus dandum & conferendnm, imo damus & con-
fcrimus przel'entium per vigorera, quo circa vobis Fideiibus noftris, Egregiis &.
Nobilibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitlbus & Judlium, Ca;terirque Univcrfitatibus
Nobilium Siculorum & Saxonum, item officialibus, proviforibus, Caftellanis &:
vices eorum gerentibus, nee non prudentibus ac clrcumfpe-ftis Judicibus, Juratis
ca-terifquc tivibus quarumcunqvie Civitatum, Oppidoruni & vjUarum, ubivis in ,
praercripto ambitu iftiiis Regni Noftri Tranfilvanici cpnftitutis & exiftentibus,
harum ferie mandamus firmiter, quatenus dum & quandocunque annotatus Fran-,
i.-ifcus Balatfi, vel homines ipfius, per cum ad id deputati, in exigendis cjufmodi
provent;ibus,, Regnum hoc noftrum circumeundo ad vos pervenerint, & tune •
eofdem in exaiflione talium proventuum, ipfi de medio Pharaonum five Czinga-
norum, more ab antiquo debentium, pro n^.edia parte v.bique liljcrc ac pacifice
exigere permittatis & permitti modis omnibus facialis. Secus ne fcceritis ; prs-
itntibus perloftis, exhibenti rcllitutis. Datum Alba; Julia; in Dominica Cantate
\iing. Doiliini Miilefimo quingeutefimo qulnquagefimo feptimo.
Ifabelia Regina.
Theft
Ko/es to the Tenth Chapter. ■ jcjf)
Thefc Procrau'ions did not prevent the Gipiies, from often cheating the
Wayvodcs of the tribute due to them, and from getting out of the way when
the feafons for payment came on. Anzeig. 6tcr Jahrg, S. I32.
(13) Beiiliii, 1. c.
(14) Toppcltbi Orig. i£ Bccai. Traiijilvan. Cap. VI. p. ^7. Anztigen, am
•aiigef. O. S. 119. f.
(15) Anzeigcii, am geniiant. O. . . Bad-'d, I. c. Toppelt. 1. c. p. 57. 5R,
Confuetiidinc noftra reccptum eft, lit idem juftitix, etc. proceffiis iioliifcuiB
agnofcant.
(16) Toppctl. I. c. Penes ridiculos iftos Vayvodas potcftatis in fuos paruTR
-eft. vergl. Anteigen.
(17) Anzcigen, S. 127
(18) Tan ruyn es el Conte, como los Gitanos. Cor3ova, p. 406.
(J9) Eben das, S. 128.
NOTES to the Eleventh Chapter.
(i) Tiw/j Voyage en Portugal is' en E/'pagnr, p. 205. lis ne fuivent ni
profellion, ni cultc rcligicux determine. Anzeigen 6ter Jahrg. S. 63.
(z) Peyffonnel tbfei'vations, p. 112. Ces Bohemicns cmbraflent la Religion
<les Peuples qui les fouffrent chez eux, et avec les quels lis vi-vent. And
'Grifelini fays. " With regard to religion, the Gipfies, of the Banat, always
■*' conform to that church which is the prevailing one in the Village, be it
" Catholick or the Greek," S. Ferfuch ciner politifcl^en inid tiat. Gefely. des
tTenief-jj. Banats Scit 200. vergl. Toppeltir., 1. c. Jac. Tollius in Epp. itinera):
Epift. V. p. 20. and particularly P. lllia ortus ts" progrejfus I'ariar. in Dacict
^emt. his words arc, Rcligionem ant fciStam ut plurimum arbitrariam proliten-
tur, ac tere quam heri, aut ii, quorum ope ac patrocinio fruuntur. Sunt
llomano-Catholici, Helvetica: confetlionis, &c.
(0 L. c. p. 55. feqq.
-^4) Anzeigen, 6tcr Jahrg. S. 63. -\. 72. Grlfclini, am gcdacht. O.
(5) s.
200 Noj'es to the Elci'Ciith Chapter.
(5) S. oLeii, Knp. 8.
(6) Jnzetgai, ^ter Jahrg. S. 376.
(7) Schajt. Munjicr Cofj;ipgrapl.ue, 3tes Biich, Kap. 5. S. 370. Thefe-
•wretched people — live like dogs, they have no religion, although they iufler
their children to receive Chriftian baptifm. .. . UiVtwMc Kranz, 8.239. "Turliifi-ljcr
Schanplatz, Num. 106. Neuerlifnctc Ottomannifche Pfortc, i. Th. S. 113.
(8) Swinhiirnc's tra-vels thiyongi} Upaiii, p. 230. Though they conform to
the Roman Catholick mode of worihip, they arc looked upon in the light ot
unbelievers — 5f«^o, 1. c. p. 502.
(9) Tollii epp. itinera!-. Ep. V. p. 201. Rellgloncm pras fe fcrunt Graecam,,
cum fub Chriftianorum funt dominio, I'agani alias, five, ut vulgo dici folet, ,
rcligionis nuUius : neque enim idola habent.
NOTES to the Twelfth Chapter.
(i) Miinfter Cof/uegr. S. 370. They are a flrange people, underftand
many Languages. — Crarix, am angcf, O. — Bdlon. obfervationum. Lib. IL c.
41. Angelas Roclia, I.e. p. 364. u. a. m.
(2) Cantemirs Befihr. der Moldau, z Th. bey H. B'lifcJ:,. Magaz. T. IV,,
p. 85. y<jir. Tollii epp. itinerar, p. 201. . . . T-n'i/s voyage, p. 204. Baii-r
Memoires J'lir la F'alach, p.. 22. Grifetini, S. 199.
(3) Angel. Roc/ja Biblioth..F.atican. p. 364.— ^propriam linguam vocabulis
flftitjis inventis excogitavit,
(4) Miinjler, jEneas Sylvius, tind nach ihnen Gefner in Mithridate, Cap,
V. p. 81. , . Alfo, lo. Ge. JEccard in differ t. de ufti ijf prajfantid Jiudii
etymolog. in hiji. Num. i. u. a. m.
(5) Den Bcweis fehe man in Gefneri Mithridat. p. 81. und ciner Rott-ivel-
fcben .Grainmat. Frankf. a. M. 1704.
(6) Tlyomafiiis, differt.de Cingaris,, § 39, affures us of this from his own;
experience.
(7) Goropiits bermai. Lib. i. p. 18. Kederm. diffiit, 33. atrs.pl'il. probl. t.
(8) Nciir
Notes to the Twelfth Chapter. 201
"(8) Neue ErSe/Lhr. Th. I. . . . S. 1074.
(9) Biionav. I'ulcanius de liteiis i£j lingua Getarum feu Gottrum Ludg.
Bat. 1597. p. 102. Camerar. Hot: fubccfi'V. Cent. II. c. 75. p. 297. coll. Valent.
Frank a Frankcnjicin Orig. Nationum ac fotijjimum Saxonicit in Tranjilvania.
Helmft. 1697. Unica lingua fuudamentali utuntur, dialefto fing;ulis locis
attemperata.
(10) Jnzeigen, aus den K. K. Erblandem, 6ter Jahrg. S. 87.
(11) Ft: Foiis Ottokorji Orig. Hung. P. I. p. 171. etfi mihi ignota eft
illorum lingua; non cniin quilibet facile earn ab illis poteft difcere, cum
cxperimento mihi conftct, in juventute, nunquam me ab ipfis extorquere
potuifle, ut refte et ordine, Pater Nofter Ciganice recitarent, fed recitant vel
lingua Hungarica, vel ejus nationis, in cujus funt medio &c.
(12) Martin. Sxentivany dijfert. IV. barograph, p. 127. Idioma fuum
peculiare habent. (Cingani) nuUas tamen literas. It is reported in Hungary
(Anzeig. 1. c. S. 22) that a Gipfcy alphabet is fomewhere preferved, but
nobody ever has fecn, or ever will fee it, for it probably never exifted ;
as thefe people did not bring the art of writing, from their own country ;
where they belong to a clafs of people, who, by exprefs laws, are prohibited
from receiving any kind of inftruftion.
(13) Voyage, p. 205. Lcs hommes ont quelques connoiflances fuperficielles
en medecine & en chirurgie.
(14) JVagenfeil. Pera libror. juven. loculamll. Synopfeos Geograph. p.
165. feqq.
(15) Sulzer Gefchichte des Tranfalpinifchen Daciens, Bd. 3. § 103. S. 11,
— 13. Poetry and Mufic, are in equal efteem among the Tranfalpine Walla-
chians, who have configned over thefe two amiable fillers, to the licentioufnefs
of flavcs, Gipfies. Thefe alone fmg, play, rhyme, for I cannot allow the
appellation of poems to obfcene hobling verfes, put together at the moment.
By way of fample, I flwll quote a couplet.
Mitidika, Mitidika, zvic'n ung quatfch!
Ba nil, Ba nu, «' am tfche fatj'cb.
TWs tfrhc fatfch which Ihould be tjlhe fe fak, is a monftrous perverfion of
language. Rut t!;e Gipfey wanted a rhyme for qit-atfch, fo direAly with a
D d bold
202 Notes to the tzvelfth Chapter:
bold poetical licence, he changes the firll perfon of the conjunctive for the
third, of the indicative niood. Thus this little compolition in queftion and
anfvver, which fliould be. Little one, Little one, come from thence
No, No, No, No, I have nothing to do (there)
he changes to, I have nothing, what do you ?
NOTES to the Thirteenth Chapter.
(i) Anzcigcn aus d. K. K. EM. jter Jahrg. S. 360.
(2) Peyffonnd Obfervations fur hs peuplcs barbarei qui ont habit c Ics bordi
du Danube pag. 112.
(3) Anzeigen ^ter Jahr. S. 374. • . Sulzer, with refpeft to their timidity,
fays. •' A Gipfcy requires to have been a long time in the army, before he
" can meet an enemy's balls with decent Soldiers refolution, or an experienced
" robber, before he can take a traveller's purfe, without having firft from a
" bufli, either killed, or difebled him." I have more than once had experi-
ence of this, in Tranfilvania, Wal.lachia and Moldavia, where I have feen,
a fingle refolute man, with only a ftick in his hand, put half a Gipfey village
to flight. It is even become a proverb in Tranfilvania that, " you may drive
*' fifty Gipfies before you with a wet rag." Sulzer, am angef. Ort. Band
a. S, 141. f. . . . Thichtefsc found the Gipfies exadly the fame in Spain. See
Fhil, ThkhiejJ'e'' s Travels through France and part of Cctalonia, p, 162, of the
German Tranllation.
(4) Toppeltin, Orig. iSj occai. Trayfilvan. Cap. VL p. 58.
(5) Thus they vowed no fmaller revenge than death, againft a refpeiflable
German Prince, who died a few years ago, becaufe, on account of their mif-
dceds, he had perfecuted and drove them out of his territories. They even
went fo far as to offer a reward among themfelves (probably fomething con-
fidcrablc) to whoever would deliver him to them, either alive or dead. Nor
did they give up this infolent dcfign, till fome of them, who talked too
openly about it in the Duvmftadt doniinions, were taken and being delivered
up.
Notes to the Thirteenth Chapter, 203
up ro the parties concerned, paiJ the forfeit ot" their lives, for their good
intentions.
(6) Anzelgen, Jtcs Jahr, S. 375.
(7) Eben das, S. 288. 374. f. T'oppcltirt, 1. c. Cap. VII. pag. 57.
(8) Kelpiui in natat. Saxonum Tranjilii, Cap. II. § 14. not. c. adtually avcrSt
vix exftat fub fole magis hoc populo fuperba natio.
(9) Suppofe a perfon, in their way, well drefTed, ftiould be publicly beat
or whipped, for a theft, or fome other crime, he would only lay afide his
conceit and pride, while the punifliment, and the confcqucnt pain lafted ;
thefe being over, he no longer remembers his difgrace, but entertains as
good an opinion of himfelf as before. Anxcig. jtes Jahr, S. 373. f.
(10) Eben das, S. 374. contains this remark. Thefe people are loquacious
and quarrelfome to the greateft degree. — They feldom make much noife in
their huts, in which they generally keep quiet enough ; but in the publick markets,
and before alehoufcs, where they are furrounded by a number of fpeitators,
they bawl, fpit at each other, catch up flicks and cudgels, vapour und brancMi
them over their heads, throw duft and dirt, now run from each other, then
back again, with furious geftures and threats. The women fcream, drag their
hufbands, by force from the fcene of aftion, thefe break from them again and
return to it, the children too howl pitcoufly. At laft, after all thefe agitations,
they do no damage, to each other. — Only now and then, the remains of
the torn (hirt, is entirely ftrlpped off. After a fhort time, without any perfons
interference, when they have cried and made a noife till they are tired, the
affair finiflies Itfelf, and they feparate, with as much oftentation, as if they had
performed the moft heroic feats.
(11) DiJJert. de Cingaris, § 27, 28.
{12) Stumpf Scl>weizer Chronik, Buch 8. Kp. 10. Bl. 42!;. b,
(13) Stiimpf, am gedacht. O. fays himfelf, "This unprofitable rafcally fet,
" who go about in our time" — of tvhich the bejl is a thief, for they live en-
tirely by f eating,
(14) Aventinus, Annates Boior. Buch 8. S. 835, der Teutfch. Ucberf. unj
Kran'z., in der Sdchfifchen Chronili, B. 2. K. 2. Bl. 239. b. Likewife die Chronik
•von Bologna beym jahr 1422, defcribes them as a fet of people luho lived by
D d 2 plunder.
2C4 Notes to the Thirteenth Chapter.
plunder. V. L,Uil. A/t!on. Muratori fLriptorci rcrum Ilalicar. Tcill. XVIII. p. 6ii,
— That Stumpf, may in other refpetts, be worthy of credit, and really followed Ibme old,
though to us unknown, account, is no reafon that he fliould be believed, in preference
to every other author, equally refpetlable, as Thomajius thinks. Though he might not
get his information from mere hcariay, it is, neverthelefs, evidently of no validity.
Its author was influenced by the, formerly, common prejudice, that the Gipfies were
Egyptian pilgrims, who were conftrained to wander, from their native country, on
account of religion. He, like many others, elleemed them an holy fet of people.
When he heard accounts of all forts of irregularities pradiled by thefe people, and
might, once or twice, be an eye witnefs ot their purchafirtg provifions, it huit him to
find thefe righteous pilgrims fo cried down, efpeciallv as he accounted to himfclf
how they might get money, without either earning it or Healing ; namely, if they
had remittances from their own country. Therefore in order to vindicate them to
the utmoft, he took the fair fide of the qucftion ; acquiefced In the idea that they
adually did receive money from their friends at home, with which they paid ho-
neftly for every thing: he even praifed them for their chriftian difcipline and order.
Siehe Stumpf an der angef. Stelle.— r-Whoever thinks this improbable may confult
Aventinus, who grieves that the Gipfies Ihould fo generally be reckoned hdly,
when they are a fet of arrant thie'ves and robbers.
(15) That excellence they brought from their own country, and did not learn
it here.
(16) Anzeigen, 6tcs Jahr, S. 22, 23.
(17) It often happens that, after they have got over the moft tedious trouble-
fome part, and are proceeding to. the higher branches of knowledge, their courage
fails, they abandon the whole fcheme and plan which they had formed, return to
their own people and filthy habitations, neglcft and forget the little they had learned ;
and afterwards endeavor to gain a livelihood by horfedealing, mufic, or in fome other
way. Anzeigen, am gedachten, O. S. 23.
(18) Anzeigen, Jtes Jahr, S. 335. Frid-ivald/zky Mineralog. p. II. § 2.
(19) T-xvifs Voyage en Portugal l^ en Efpagne, Ch. XXVII. p. 205. On ne
leur permet pas de poffeder aucun terrein en propre, ni de s'enroler dans les armees.
Alfo Siviniitrne^s Travels through Spain, p. 231.
(20) Lad. Tiirocii Hungaria/uiscum Regiius, p. 265, 66.
(21) IJh,u»,Ji
No.'fS to the Tinrtcentb Chapter. 205
(•0 IJihuar.JillijIoriar. Libr. XXH. p. 453.
(12) Gc. Pray Annates Rejourn Hungar. P. IV. p. 273.. Ftid-valc!fzky,\, c.
(23) Thomajius in DiJJert. tie Cingaris, §69.
(24) Schudt Mu)iorahilia JiiJaica, Lib. V. c. 13. Holl/erg, yndifthe Gefc/jkhte.
Ueberfetzt von Aug. Detharding. Th. 2. 698. ^
(25) ?>\t\iA/izeigcn, 6tes Jahr,.Scit 39, f. 46, f,.
(26) Anzeigen, 4tcs Jahr, S. 343.
(37) Particularly of the Chriflians to the Turks. — Aventinus fays \\\ the pafTige
before quoted, " It is known that the Gipfies are Turkifli traytors. — They are ac-
cufed of it in the State Papers of former centuries, as will be feen occafionally in the
following chapter.
(28) Scl}-ivabiJ'chc Anrmten, S. 426.
(29) Anzeigcn, 6tes Jahr, S. 39, 40,
(30) Eben das, 5ter Jahrg. S. 247.
(31) S. Ortelii Redivivi et continuati Wimderharcr Adlers Sch'Uiiung, Seit3i3.
(32J Aadr, Stiibet, Hiingaria, oder 7!cue vollfidndige Befchreibung des ganzen
Ka/tigreictjs Ungarn, S. 748.
NOTES to the Fourteenth Chapter.
(i) S.Gerhard Loc. de Magijtr. Num.227. Olear. Zigeuner frag, quaefl. 5,
(2) Bodin de Republic. Lib. V. c. 2. Keckermann. Difpiitt.XXXlll. Curfui
Philofoph. Probl. 2. u. a. m.
(3) He began what P/^//:/ III. compleated in 16 10, and expelled 70,000 nov
only Jewiih but Moorifh families.
(4) BodinusX.c. Camerar. Hor./ubcejiv. Cent. II. Cap* LXXV. p. 297.
(5) Franc. Ferdinatid. Cordova Didafcal multip. p. 406.
(6) Sivinburne's Travels through Spain, p. 231.
(7) Cordova, I.e.
{'&) Pu/quier Recherche! de la France, Livr. IV. Ch. 19. p. 361. Bodin. I.e.
Camerar, I. c.
(9) Thiian,
2.ot> Notes to the Fot'.rteenth Chapter.
(9) Thuan. continuat, Libr. V. p. 260.
(10) Siirii C.ommenfar. Rcrum in orhc gejlarum, ad ami. 1572.
(11) Thomnfii Dijert. de Ciirgar. ^ 62.
(12) Salmon heutige Hijiorie, oder, gegeniuiirtiger Staat des T'urkifchen Reichs.
Th. I. S. 320 f.
(13) Lex. Dan. Lib. III. Cap. 20. Art. 3. Lud. von Holberg, Judifchc Gefch,
Th. 1. S. 695.
(14) Schwedlfchc Biblioth. Stockholm imd Leipz. 1729. Drlttcs St. S. 265 f.
(15) Laet.Inh-oit Brabant. — Addit. 11. An. VI.
(16) Sammlung der Reichfabfchiede, Frankfort am Mayn, 1747. Th. 2. Seit
^°- 344- 509- 602. 622. 623. Th. 3. Seit 394.
(17) Am angefiihrten Orte, Th. 2. S. 622. 623.
(18) Only in the cities of Mens, Neufahl, Kremnitz, Schemnitz, &c. no Gip-
fey dare appear, on account of the gold and filver mines ; but this prohibition ex-
tends to the Jews alfo. Anzeigcn, 6ter Jahrg. S. 157. . . . Bel. {not. Hungaria
wo-jitj T. 1. p, 86) informs us they are obliged to keep away from Tyrnau
likewife.
(19) Cum ifthoc hominum genus (fcilic. Cingari) furandi artem palam profi-
teatur, non fine ingenti Magiftratuum fit ignominia, qui eos non ftatim remh i<el
glebit addkunt. GoroJjT. Becan. Hermathcn. Libr. I. pag. 18. Ecquis negare aufit,
e publica re magls futurum, fi vegeti ii Zigeni, qui otiofe vagari ac mendicare con-
fueverunt, vel quos fuftigatio et exilium refta via ad patibulum ducit, infervituiem
raperentm; et publtcis operibus addicerentur ? Be/old. Colleg. Politic. Cap. 10.
§ 6. n. 56.
(20) It is no contnidiftion to my aficrtion, concerning the generality, that there
snay be a few particular exceptions in Tranfilvania.
NOTES to the Fifteenth Chapter.
(i) Only in fome places, although the Imperial orders were fent to every part of
Hun_gary — they were only attended to in the jiiftriift of Prefzburg.
(2) The
Notes to the Fifteenth Chapter. 207-
(♦) The following is the regulation, in the original language and ordei-, taken
frnin the manufcript delivered to me from the Reglfter of the Imperial Royal
Decrees.
(Circularcs fiib Nro. 6525. d. 12 Septembris 1782.)
De Regulatione Zingarorum.
Inter plurinias, quibus facratiflima fua Majeftas ad Magni hujus Principatus fta-
tum beatiorem reddendum detinetur, curas, eo quoquepaternam fuam foUicitudinem
benignecjnvcrteredignatacft, quo vaga, et per univerfum Magnum hunce I'rinci-
patum difperfa gens Zingara ad certa et fixa domieilia reduccreter, ac per doniici-
liationem, tam ad veilitum cultiorem, quam vel maxime ad politiorem vita? modum
morefqne honeftos traduceretur, prlncipiifque religionis et vilx focialis imbucrctur.
Ad quern fcopum adfequendum vigore Benigni Sui, die i4ta fuperloris Menfis Au-
gufti exarati decreti Regii normam, quoad ipfam mentionatoe gentis Zlngarie regula-(
tionem, in Regno Hungariae ftabilitam, ifthic quoque introducendam, et ad circum-
ftantias hujus Principatus adaptandam, clemcntcr prscepit. In cujus Altilfims Vo-
luntatis complementum, ordinandum Dominationibus Vcftris invenit Rcgium Guber-
nium, quatenus omnes et fmgulos illos Zingaros, qui fub diverforum Dominorum
Terreftrium jurifdi6tione commorantur, ad fixa domieilia et jurifdiftionem alicujus
Domiiu Terreftris confcribant, eifquc divagationem et fub tentoriis habitationem
ferio, et fub incurfione poena corporalis, interdicant; et pra:terea, cum pra;videri
non poffit, eofdem Zingaros in cives patriae utiles aliter tranfmutatum iri, quam fi
prius mores eorumdem modemi penitus exuantur, iiquc principiis, tam ad anim:E
falutem, quam etiam humanum commcrcium neceffarlis, imbuantur ; quoad pro iiide
anima fahitem fequentia iifdem Zingaris prx-fcribenda conftituuntur principia ut
I. In iis, quae ad fidem necelTaria funt, femet erudiri curent, prolefquc fuas a te-
neris adhuc imbuant.
II. Nuditatem proliiim, quaqua poflunt ratione, tegant, nee per lllarum nudi-
tatem, five domi, five iu::ta vias publicas ac per plareas, tranfeuntibus abominan-
diim prsberi fpeftaculum fmant.
III. In fuis habitaculis, fexus diverfitate obfervata, fcparationem infdtuant ; ut
gravilTima mala deinceps pro poflibili averti poirmt.
IV. Ecclefias frequentent, diebus prxfertim dorainicls et feftivis, et figna Chrit-
tians pietatis exhibcant. .
Y, Certis
2o8 ^ole to the Letter.
V. Certis Antiftitibus femet fubjiciant, eorumque diiedlloni aft'iones fuas con-
■forment.
^ioad vera humanum tommercium ct politiorcm inta modum haec adhuc prsefcri-
'biuitur, lit
I. In viftu, veftitu et lingua, femet illi, cujus apud Incolas loci, quo degunt,
ufus eft, conforment; ab animalium proinde pereuntium cfu abftineant, Teftituni
varium, et linguam propriam relinquant.
II. Pallia, qu.-E condendis rebus furtivis preopportuna funt, penitus deponant.
III. Equis nulli Zingarorum, praeter aurilotores, licitum erlt ; fed et his.
IV. Permutationes, occafione nundinarum, interdiftse fint.
V. Pagorum Judicibus ferio imponatur, ne Zingaros otiofos efle iinant, fed fi do-
mefticum, aut dominalem, laborem nullum habuerint, alienum pro mercede pera-
gere cogantur.
VI. Ruralibus prasfertim laboribus afluefiant : hinc etiam.
VII. Ubi fieri poteft, eo res dirigatur, ut Domini Terreftres, eofdem Zingaros
recepturi, terras etiam illis colendas aliquas allignent, et
VIII. Qui labores campeftres fegnius peragerent, poenam corporalem fubeant.
IX. Exercitium tunc tantum illis concedatur, dum tempus non admittit, run
laborare, quod etiam ratione muficorum intelleftum efto.
Haec itaque pivio mode prsfcripta Dominationes Veftrx ad omnium et fmgulorum
In fuo circulo reperlbilium Zingarorum notitiam publicari, adque eorumdem intellec-
tum interpretari, curabunt, debitae eorumdem obfervantise fedulo invigilaturae, ac in
contravenientes condigne animadverfurae.
NOTE to the Letter.
This writing is to be found in the oft mentioned Gazettes, (6ter Jahrg. Sell i66,
i68). It is addreffed to the Editor of thole ufeful, but alas! for feven years paft
idifcontlnued, periodical iheets. It merits a place here, as it ferves by way of afhort
review, and alfo as an additional confirmation of many of the before recited
.particulars.
SECTION
( 209 )
SECTION IL
NOTES to the First Chapter.
(i) Kranz, Sacljfi/che Chronik, Buch XI. K. 2. BI. ^39. Sebafi. MU/iJcr, Co/-
mographie, Buch III. Kap. 5. Seit 370.
(2) Stitmpf. Schweitzer Chronik. Buch VIII. Kap, 10. ^!. 245. Guler, Be-
Jchreib/ittg von Graubiindten, Buch X. Blatt 156. b.
(3) Lud. Anton. Miiratori Annali tV Italia, Tom. IX. pag. 1 10. And Chronica
di Bologna, Tom. XVIII. Rerum Italitarum, ad Ann. 1422.
(4) Franc. Ferdinand de Cordova Didafcal multipl. pag. 409^^ — 411. Alfo i^/<Ir^
Delrio Difquijitionum magicar. Tom. II. L. IV. cap. 3. p. 205.
(5) Pa/quier Recherches de la France. L. IV. ch. 19. p. 361.
(6) Annali d' Italia, Tom. IX. p. iio.
(7) Rertan Itallcar. Tom XVIII. ad Ann. 1422-.
(8) Simon. Majoll Dierum cankularliim, Tom. III. coUoq. 2. pag. 631. Sane
hoc conftat, quod Ferdinandus olim Rex Hifpanix fexaginta dies illis deflinavit,
intra quos omnino Hifpania excedere jubebantur. — Ab eo tempore hinc inde vagan-
tur in Germania. Others are of the fame opinion, e. g. Mart. Szentivany Dlffert,
Horographica IV. p. 227.
(2) Certe primum omnium in Moldavia, Valachia, ac Hungarla, circiter annum
141 7 vifi funt, ifthincque in alias Europa; ditiones propagati. Georg. Pray Annates
Regum Hungarla, P. IV. p. 275. AHb Grlfellnl, Gefchichte dcs Temefwarcr Ba-
nats. S. 212.
(10) At this time [1439] the Gipfies made their firfl appearance in thefe parts. — —
A parcel of rafcals, a congregated herd, from the confines of Hungary and Turkey.
Aventln. Schwdblfche Annalen, Buch 8. Bl. 418. b.
(11) foann. Ge. Eccardl Dijfert. de ufu et prajlantla Jludli etymologlci In hljlorla.
Cap. I. Cingaros primum in Polanlam trajecifle, ex ipforum apud Munfterum
Klatione conjcio, poftea Walachi;e Tranfilvanisquc fcfc infuderunt.
E c (12) •!
2IO, isates to the Flrji Chapter,
(12) I am of opinion, and perhaps it is all we can fay, with certainty, concernin^^
their arrival in Europe, that they made their iirft appearance in Dacia ; probably it
was in Tranfalpine Ducia that they firft entered our part of the world ; whether they
tame from Perfia, Afia Minor, or Egypt. Si/lzcr, Befchrnbun^desTranfalpmifchoi
Baciens, Band 2. S. 143. AUb, Pray Annales Reg^- Hitngar, 1. c.
(13) Caiitemir, Eejlhreibung dcr Molclau. 2ter Theil, im BY'fdnvgifckoi Ma--
gaz'iti, Th. 4. S. 85.
(14) Second Chapter, pag. 6.
(15) Muratori Scriplorei rcrum Italkar, T. XVIII. ad Ann. 1422. Quando .
coloro arrivarono in Bologna, erano andati cinque anni pel mondo.
(16) IFilhelm Dilick, in Mii Hefztfchen Chronik. Seit 229. beyrn Jahr 1414, cer-
tainly does fay, that they arrived the fame year in the Heffian territories ; and Fa~
hrithis, in y^««rt//^^. ili?/}/. fays they were driven from Meiffen in 1416. But (?«/-
vijiiis contradifts Fahritiiu, and has correfted his date, putting 1418 for 1416.
And with regard to Dilich, there mud: either have been a miftake in the manufcript,
from which he corapofed, or he muft have read wrong ; there being no mention
made of Gipfies in any of the public prints till three years afterwards, viz, 141 7.
There is no reafon to believe they fliould remain invifible to eveiy other pcrfon both
in and out of Germany, at the fan.e time have appeared to the editor of D/Z/V/j's
intelligence.
(17) Stumpf and G/ilcr mention them this year m Switzerland and an\ong the
Grifotis, alfo HeJio Paralip. ad Urfperg. pag. 402. Crujlus in feinen Schisjabifchen
Annalen Seit 345, 384. Spangenherg in der Mansfeldijchen Chronili, S. 357;
GUlichfche Chronik. Blatt 263, und bey 2^«7/cr, Brief 71. S. 197; Heidenrcichs
Le.'pziger Chronik. S. 62. u. a. m.
(18) Andreas Prejlytcr Ratijhonerijis in C.hron. Bavar. p. 122. Eodcm anno
(1433) venerunt ad terram nofiram quidam de populo Ciganorum, qui dicebant, fe
cll'e de iEgypto.
(19) A'veiitin, Buch 8. Blatt 41 8 b.
(20) Kranz Sachifche Chronik. iites Buch, Kap. 2. Blatt 239 b. Mihijler Cof-
mographie, Buch 3. Kap. 5. S. 370. Auch Stiimpf und Guler an den ange-
fvihrten Scellcn. u. a. m.
(21) Cnifius Annal. Suet', pag. 346,
Notes to the Second Chapter. '21T
(ji) V. luprapag. 53.
(23) Slump/, am angcf. Ort. 31.4255. In this year [1418] the Glpfies firft
arrived — in SwitzcrUmJ, near Ziirich, and other places. — Their number, including
men, women, and children, amounted to 14,000, not in one troop, but difpcrfcd
up and down.
(24) Thofe which went to Bologna amounted to about one hundred people.
Thomas Polgar's gang, which obta'med the paflport from King Uladillaus the
Second, in Hungary, in 1496, confilled of twenty -five tents, or fo many diftim^
families; aiid probably even thofe who encamped near Ziirich did not greatly exceed
two hundred: for in 1422, they were feen again near Bafil, and there JVurJiifcii
mentions the circumftance that they Imd about ffty horfes imth them. From whence
we may conclude that there were about as many families ; fmce no travelling Gipfcy
family at this time has or ufcs more than one horfc.
(25) ChriftianWurftifens BafzlerChronik. Buch 4. S. 240.
(26) Dijfert. deChigaris, §26. Gw/fr mentions only fourteen Aa«</«</; that his
therefore looks upon as a miftake, and infills that there alfo it fliould be read fourteen
thoufand.
(27) Kraiix, Miinjier wiA Stump/, an den angefuhrten Orten.
(28) Kra7tz am gedacht. Orte.
NOTES to the Second Chapter,
(i) Kranz Sdchji/che Chronik. iites Buch. Kap. 2. Blatt 239 b. Miinfter Co/
Magraphie, Buch 3. Kap. j. S. 370. Stump/ Buch 8. Kap. 10. Blatt 425.
Auch Guler, Bl. 156. und Cordova, S. 408. Pa/^uier Rccherches de la France,
L. IV. Ch. 19. p. 361.
(2) Muratori /riptores rerum Italicar, T. XVIII. ad Ann. 1422.
(3) Aventin, B. 8. Blatt 418 b. IVurfti/eii B a/z.ler Chronik. B. 4. Seit 249.
( 4) Miinjier Co/mographie, am angef. Orte.
^5) Bey Cordova, S. 408.
E e 2 (6) Muratori
Z I 2
Notes to the Second Clapter.
(6) Mnralorl Rcntm Italicar. T. XVIII. ad r.ua. 1422. Aveano Un decieto
del Re di Ungherla, che era Imperadore, &:c.
(7) Tofpelthi orig'incs ct occaf. Tranjclvjni.e, pag-. 57. Qjid.im (Vayvoda)
jpforum (Cingarorum) cuftodit privilegia olim a Bathoriis Principibus ipfis coUata^
His cautum efTc aiunt, gravi prena eos fubeiTe, qui innocentes injuria afSeiafit,
(8) Matth. TFehner, Ohfcrvafiones prafiica-. fvib voc. Zigeunir.
{()) Crtijius S. 384. Wnrftifen, Scir 240. Giikr, 156, b.
(10) Am gedachten Ortc, § 27.
(11) Diatribe Jnjiorico-politica tie Zvgenontm origine, 'vita ac Jitorihia.
Auftore Ahafuer. Frit/ebio. Membr, IV.
(12) The like circuraftance is mentioned \i\ Pet. Fridcr, Mn-Jan. tic viandat.
Lib. II. cap. 48. num. 7.
(13) I.e. Aveano un decreto del Re di Ungherla — per vigore di cul poteaao-
rubare per tutti que' fette anni per tutto dove andafleio, e che non potefle eflcre
fatta lore giuftizia.
(14) On account of an ancient apoftacy from the Chriftian religion.
(15) Aventin, am angef. Ort.
(16) Sammlung der Reiehs Ahfchiede, Frankf. am Mayn, 1747. T. 11.
S. 622, 623.
(17) Miinjler, Stumpf, und GuUr, an gedachten Orten.
(18) Martin Delrio Difquifitionum magicar. T. II. L. IV. c.3. quaeft. 5,
p. 208.
(19) S!ti(?>ipf wxii. Ciller, an den angefUhrten Stellcn. Crufiits, Seit. 345.
Fortnnat. Sprecher Pall. Rhat. Libr. III. pag. 91.
(20) 1. c. § 28.
(21) Thomajius, 1. c. § 27, An autem furacitatem quoque et praefligias,
quibus hodie maxime infamantur, primo ftatim ingreflu fuo exercuerint, haud'
immerito amblglmus. Si enira tales fuiflent, non ihipetrafient falvi conducftus
literas.
(22) For no writer prior to Stumpf (e. g. die Chronik von Bologna, Aventin,
11. a. m.) defcribe them in any other manner,
(23) What a fet of rabble oft united themfelves to the Gipfies in Spain, formerly,
jnav be fccn in La Fida di Lazarillo de Tormes, Part II.' cap. 12. p. 3 14. Concern-
ing
Notes to ih^ fhiid Cljcipiei, ?.i^
ing the like tircumlhnces in Gcnutuiy, SchudtMemoralll. JuJak, Lib. V. c, 13,
l^ud. •von Holberg JiiJifihc Gcfchichtey n.ich dcr teutkheii Ui;bt^rctiu:ig, iter Th.
ijtes Buch, S. 69;.
NOTES to the Third Chapter.
(l) M,Trquard. Frcier. not. ad Chronic. Andrere Ratijlonenjis-, pag. 224. Ego
a planis et erronibus illis, quos Attinganos Grsci nominabant, dc'.'cenJere (Cinga-
nos) puto. Cfr. Peuccr. Commentarius divinationum, (edit. Wittemb. ijSo,) p. 160,
Phil, Loniceri Promtuar. Hondorf. pag. 84. Pcyjfonnd, in his Ohj'ervatlons Hijlo-
riquei et Geographlqites fur Us petiphs barbares qui ont habile Its iordi dii Danube
t^ du Pont Euxin, pag. 109, iio, likewife deduces them from the Athingans,
which he defcribes as a feft derived from the Manich^ans. — Athingans, d'ou eft venu
par corruption le nom du Tchingenes, que leur (to the Gipfies) donnent encore les
Turcs, et les autres nations de I'Orient. Among their other herefies, one was their
averfion to touch another perfon, or to take any thing from them, fearing they
fliould thereby be defiled. 'A^iyfavs; foys the Editor of the Etymolog, Magn.
0 |/.t) ^iKuii TiK TirfJoofyricrai; aVo re Siyfavw ; ol ya,f Tiv OLicim xoi.h\r,y iyovlsf,
aiJev trap' aA/K >a'J.?>v!»;r(. The above cited authors could not have recollefted;
this circumftance, or they would never have made Athingans of the Gipfies, with
whom the moft unclean things are efteemed clean.
(2) Marius Niger, bey Abrah. Orteliiis, in Thefauro Geograph. fub Artie Africa. ,
Carol. Stephan. Lexic. hijloricitm, geographicum, potticum \. edit. Genev, 1662.
And Ferrariui in Lexic, Geograph, artic. Zeugitana,—~T\\\% Zeugitana of the an-
cients, is the eaftern divifion of theprefent kingdom of Tunis. Sha-vj's Reij'en ueberfctzt
nach der 2ten Engl. Aufgabe. Seit 67.
(3) Spondanui in AuBario chronolog. ad Epitomen Annal. Baronii^ ad ann.
:4l8.
(4) Mneai Sylvius, bey Gefner in Mithridat. pag. 81. Zochori et Hcniochi,
inontana et importuofa colunt loca, qus Caucaii partes funf. His vita ex maritimii
latrocLniis
/
^14 NoUs to the Third Chapter.
Litrociuii; fuit. Hanc Zochororum terrain cum efle arbitramur, ex qua populi
exieriut, qui noftra xtate cum liberis et uxoribus Europain pervagantur, Zhigari
appellati. His opinion is founded not on the name only, but alfo on the thievifli
jnanner of life which the Giplies lead. But that proves nothing. Math. Marthiius,
in his Lexic. ph'dolo^ico, fub voce Zigeuniy adopts this origin as well as yEnea:
Syl'vim.
(5) Ziehen, Zigier, Sikcher, or Zincher, among the ancients, which in the
earlieil times were called Achseans, dwelt in the country now inhabited by the Cir-
■caffians. The authors who derive the Gipfies from them are, Otrococfius in Origi-
nib. Hufigar. Parti, pag. 171. And Joann, Ge. Eccard, in Diflert. de ufu Jiudii
ctymologici i/t Hijioria, C. I.
(6) WetmcrOhfer'vationesPraBka, fub voce 2;[fc//«fr.
(7) Claude Duret Threfor dc VHiJloirc da Langnes de cet Uni'verl, pag. 312.
(8) Martin Delrio Difijnijitiomim Magicar. T. II. pag. 587.
(9) Herbelot Biblioth. Orient, unter dem worte Zeng.
(10) Bellonius Obfervationum, Lib. II. cap. 41.
(11) Francifc. Fcrdin. dc Cordova DidaJ'cal. muliipl. pag. 4121.
(12) Mart. Kclpiusm Hatalihis SaxonumlranJJilvania, cap. II. § 14. not. c—
■Obfervo ipfos (Zingaros) vernacula fe appellare Morre : auditur etiam inter
blatterones Amori, unde erudlto culdam Amorrita viii.
(13) Mahometan Monks, who under the pretence of holinefs, are guilty of the
jnoft flagrant excefles. Bajazet the Second baniflied them the Turkifli empire in
1494; and thefe expatriated Torlaques are converted into Gipfies. It rather
makes againft this fyftem, that Gipfies exifted, before Bajazet the Second was born,
or baniihed any Torlaques. Leonda'viKs PandeB. Turc, nr. 171. Camerar. Hor.
fuhcejk/te, Centur II. c. 75. p. 300.
( 1 4) The Faquirs in Mahometan, the Kalendars in Heathen, and the Gipfies in
Chriftian countries, refemble each other exaftly, and are indubitably the fame race.
Salmon Gcgenvjdrtiger Staat vou Peifaii, Kap. 9. Seit 247. Faquirs and Kalendars
are alfo Monks, and wander about in Mahometan and Heathen countries, like the
moft atrocious robbers and villains. Anquetil fays the Faquirs in hidia go pil-
grimages to Jagrenat, to the amount of feveral thoufands. On their return from
_^ugrenat they plunder fuch villages and cities as lye in their wa}". They form con-
fid erable
Notes to Ike Third Chapter, 215
Mtrable artnies about a mile from Jagienat, where they chufe themfelvcs a leader, to
U'hom they pay all the honors due to a General.. AnquetiVs Rcifcn., Seit no f.
Vergl, Salmon am genannten Orte. With regard to ftroUing and thieving, the Fa-
quirs and Gij>ries agree exactly. But this proves nothing concerning the cxtra.5tion
of the latter.
(15) Anzeig^n aus den Kayferl. K'unigl. EMiindcrn, 5ter Jahrg. Seit 207.
(16) yo.7omkaSzafzliyCommcnt.de diverjis populis Hiingar, §7. Addo loco
ultimo fmgulare Zingaroruni genus, quod vel ex Tartarorum Avarorum, quos
Carolus MagTius feculo IX. profligavit, vel ex Paczinaczitarum, qui feeulo XII.
extinfti funt, refiduis in Valachia reliquils propagatum eflb oplnor. Otrolotfchi
likewife believes, that the Gipfies, as has been hinted above, were thought to be
Ziehen, exifted in Pamionia during the time of the Avari. But I Ihall give the
extraordinary reafon on which he grounds this aflertion in his own words : Succurrit
mihi, he fays, annon ex hifce Ciganis olim multi, imo plures fuerint inter Abares,
quam inter alios Hunnos citivis egreflbs, qujbus familiarior poterat elTe vox ilia
Chagan, Abaribus ufitata, qui fuos Duces appellarunt Chaganos : quam noftris. —
Etfi mihi ignota illorum lingua ; tamen, ut ex pronunciatione illorum coUigo, no-
men Chagan facilius illi hodie pronunciabunt, quam noftri. On'giiz, Hungar, P. I.
p. 1 7 1 . So becaufe the Gipfies can pronounce the word Chagan with greater facility
than the Hungarians, and the Avari called their rulers Chagans ; therefore they
muft have inhabited that country in their time.
(17) Alhert Kraifz. Sachjifche C/^oiiii, iitesBuch, Kap. 2. Blatt 239 b. Cn-
rtui Schlejifche Chronik, 2tcr Th. Bl. 37. Camerar, lloree J'tibcefi'vir., Centur I.
cap. 1 7. pag. 96. Be/old Thefaur. PraSiic. voc Zigeutier, Moltken in den Atimerhk, .
zu Browne's Relig. Mt-dici. pag. 346. u. a. m.
(18) Jo. Bodiniu de Rfpubl. Libr. V. cap. 2. iin.
(19) Be/old. Thefaur. PraHcc. pag. 1026. In libro quodam vetero Italico, five
Itinerario ad Jerufalem, Lib. V. hujusmodi Cingari dicuntur effe pofteri Cahii,
vagi ct cxtorres propter ipfius peccatum. His confutation is : Quod tamen abfvirdum,
cum omnes tales pericrint in diluvio unlverfidi.
(20) Polldorus VirgUiui de reriim Invcntoribns, Libr. VII. cap. vii p. 509.
(21) Sunt (Zingani) autem Walachi, ficquc cos Germani appellant, id eft,
Itali, hue olim ad repcllendos barbararum gentium tumultus ex Italia in colonias
miffi.
ai6 Notes to the Third Chapter.
niilli, ubi patiium habitum per multos armos ad hunc ufque diem in parte retlnuenntt.
Brodans Mi/cell. VIII. 17.
(22) Peru lihror, jiivenil. Loculament. II. Libr. II. cap. 2. pag. 163, feqq.
(23) The caufe of this was a dreadful plague which, in the year 1348, raged all
over Europe. This was attributed to the Jews, who were accufed of having poi-
foned the wells and water-fprings, in order to exterminate all the Chriftians in
Europe. Never did any &t of people experience greater opprellion and mifery than
what was undergone by the Jews of that time. All the goals and prifons were
full of theni ; they were put to the rack in every judicial court. The day was
hardly long enough for the execution of the poor condemned wretches, nor the
nights ever dark on account of the continual fires, which were kept burning every
where, to confume them at the flake. Vail numbers who efcaped the rigor of the
tribunals, fell a facrifice to popular fury. They were fufFocated in bogs, flaugh-
tered like flies, or dellroyed by fome means or other. There was no difference
made of age or fex. The fame unrelenting fate purfued-men and women, children
and grey-headed, without exception. To all this was added the plague, which at-
tacked the Jews as well as the Chriftians. Under fuch circumftances it is no won-
der if fuch as could efcape from a perfecution fo unmerited, really did fo, and fe-
creted themfelves in the mod retired corners. Hoiberg (Judifche Gefchichte am an-
gef. O.) therefore does not gain any thing, when he objefts to Wagenfeil's opinion,
that although David Ganz minutely defciibes the incidents attending the perfecutions
of the Jews, he does not mention their flight into forefts and defarts.
(24) Hoc equidem Juvenis etiam mirabar, non pofle nos fcire primordia rei non
admodum a noftro feculo remotae, et e quibus terris novi in Germania hofpites pri-
mum prodlerint. Cum multum diuque cogitatione in omnes partes me verfaflem,
tandem in primorum Zigeunorum vera cubilia incidilTe, me, Tion tarn fpero, qiiam con-
fide ; ac 'pro inde 07nuino pro certo hoc dico, edico, primus Zigeunos Judtsos fuijfe :
cui aiTerto ut fidem conciliem, fie in apricum deduco omnem feriem rerum. IVagen-
/eil, 1. c. pag. 165.
(25) Job. Michael MnfcheroJ'cb, oder Philander fon Sittewald, Salyrifcben
fGcJichten,
^(^6) See firft SciSlion ofthisTreatife, Chap. XII. pag. 61, &g.
(27) E.O.
Kdtfs to the Third Chapter, z i j
(••}) E. n. when he 111 ys, they came out of their holes and coiners, asfoon;i3
they perceived, the Jcnvs had no longer reafon to be apprehenjive, and yet, immcdi--
atciv aflerts, they did not profefs to be Jews, but, in order not to pofitivcly deny.
the IVIofaical doctrine, would not abfolutely give themiclves out for Chriftiuns, they
therefore adopted an undefined middle plan, viz. faid they- were Egyptian pilgrims.
What occafion was there to conceal their being Jews, as the publication of it would
not beat all dangerous ? — But moreover it is falfe, that they never declared what re- •
ligion they were of, and that they were Chriftians. The very pretence they ufed
for their em'gration from Egvpt was a clear confellion of Chriftianity.
(28) The IMonguls have nothing but their fliephefd's life in common with the-
Tartars, and a very faint affinity between their languages. On the contrary,
i) With refpeift to their cuftoms. 2) In regard to their political regulations.
3) Moft of all in their turn of countenance, they differ from all the genuine hords oF
Tartars, about in- the fame degree as the Negroes in Africa from the Moors. There
is not a fliadow of tradition remaining to prove that they ever belonged to the fame
nation with the Tartars. V. Pallas Sammlungen Hiftorifcher Nachrichtcn iiber die
Mongolifchen Volkerfchaften, iiterTh. Seit 2. Gcorgi's Befchreibung alter Natioiien
des Rujpfi:hen Reichi, Seit 86. 9 1 .
(29) Anzeigenain denKayferl. K'onigl ErUaitdcrn, ;ter Jahrg. S. 204, 206.
(30) Pray Annal, Regiim Hungar. P. IV. Libr. iv, p. 273. Ipfi enim fe lin-
gua vernacula Romx (I do not find this in any other author) appellant- hujus no-
minis provincia ad Huvium Akaram, intra ambitum Galatiae, Amafine, Paphlagonice,
ac Ponti, quinquaginta circiter milliaribus a Byzantio remota olim fuit. Gens qux
earn provinciam coluit, paflim aufl:oribus Ciancari et Cigiani dicuntur. Si quid igi-
tur fimilitudo nominis valet, inde ortos fufpicor. Poftea autem, quam Tamerlanes
occupata Afia rainore, Bajacetem cepit, credibile eft, gentem in varia loca fparfam
fuille poft annum Chrifti 1403, atque in Europam etiam venifle. Certe primuni
omnium in Moldavia, Valachia, ac Hungaria circiter annum 141 7, vifi funt, etc.
(31) yo. Ge. Eccard DiJ/irt, de Uj'u Studii Etymologiciin Hijl. c. i.
(32) V. Kantemir Gefchichte dei Ofmanifchen Reichs. Seit 187 f. Staat 'von Ca-
fan^ Aftracan, tend Ccorgien, (Nurnb. 1724-8) Seit 132, 133. Salmon Gegen'
ii:dr'iger Staat von Arabieii, der grofzen Tartary, utid den angrenzenden Liindern,
Seit 146, 147.
Ff (33) ^^
2i8 Notes to the Fourth Chapter,
(33) Ex omnibus autem hifce audafter concludo, Cingaroi-um five ZigenoruK
nomen a Zygis, vel Zingis populis qui flint laudati Tartari Circaffi, deduftum fuifl'e,
ft qui ante 7He aliunde dcrivarlnti oinncs et Jinguloi errai'ijfe, Eccard, I.e.
NOTES to the Fourth Chapter.
(0 Thomajius Differt.dcCingaris, §29. Nunc c patriis fedibus Cingaros eru-
amus. Primos illos fcilicit. Nam hodierni omnium teirarum funt indigens.
Cfr. .§ 44.
(2) § 59, 60. Refponderi poteft. ut quantulacunque Clngaronim hujus xvl
partlcula e leliquis exulum iftoium fuperfit, tamen procul dublo ceteiam partem efle
coUuviem otioforum hominum, ex variis nationibiis coUedtam, a primis Cingaris
longe longeque diverfam, &c.
{-() § 29. Ipfi fe nunquam alios voluerunt, quam jEgyptios primo ortu cen-
feri, patriam fibi aflerentes ^gyptum minorem. — Jam fi tam probi fuerunt Initio, ut
th. praeced. oftendimus, fidem aliquammereantur.
(4) 1. c. Sed utut hnec fe habeant, putamus tamen tantum confici pofle, unde
conllet, eos temporibus piimis, uhi exploratiora citra duhiion omnia fuerunt, feiio pro
jEgyptils habitos. In confirmation of this he appeals to the name Egyptians, which
they bore at firft all over Europe. For in Sigifmund's paffports, mentioned by
Mitnjier, they are alfo called Egyptians. And lalKy in three epitaphs, cited by
Crujius, written for three Gipfey chiefs, Egypt, and particularly the Le£ir Egypt is
mentioned. § 30, 31.
(5) § 32. — Ut caufTa nobis non fit temere a perfuafione tertii abhinc fcculi re-
cedendi.
(6) Andreas Prejlytcr Jiatijlonenjis in Chron. Bandar, p. 122. Eodem anno
(1433) ■^■enerunt ad terram noftram quidam de populo Ciganorum, qui dicebant fe
effe de jEgypto. SehajL Mioijier Cofmogr. Buch 4. S. 371. They alfo give out —
vthat they firll came from the Lefler Egypt. — Kran%, But they thanfelvei fay,, Sec,
■£tumpf. They tell people that they came from Egypt. Guler. Their oivn account
'.ivas that their anceltors dwelt in Lefler Egypt, &c. Wurftifcn. T\\ey pretended
that
\
No!ei to the Fqurtb Chapter- 219
that they were dcfcended from the Egyptians. Sec alio Muratori Annali iVItalia,
and Scriptor. rcr. Ital. in the bciore recited places.
(7) Aventin, above quoted, They gave out that they came fiom Egypt, and "m-
mediately adds, They are a fet of rafcah, an herd of fcoundrels colkclcJ from the
bar den of Hungary and Turkey.
(8) Kranz, quoted above. But the c (their pretences that they were Egyp-
tians) are fables. For they are a fort of people, born in a wandering ftatc, ac-
knowledging no mother country; which has been certainly proved. — M'utijicr : It
has been ivell authenticated that thefe miferable wretches are boin Ihollers, not hav-
ing any mother country, &c.
(9) -(Egyptios eos vocamus, quod ex minori jEgypto, (quce ubiterrarum fit, me
nefclre fateor ; jEgyptus nemini non notaeft; led earn in majorcm, et minorem &•
ftinftam efle, a neinine fido auiSlore haftenus intellexi) extorres fe efle dicunt. Or-
telius in Thefauro Geographic, fub Zci/gitana, Likewife Delrio Difquijitionum Ma-
jicarteiii, Libr. I. Cap. 5. pag. 207. Guler Befchreibung der Grauen Biindten,
Bl. 156 b. und. a. m.
(10) Buonavcntura Vulkanius belongs to that clafs of authors who admit the
Egyptian defcent of the Gipfies ; and may in fome meafure be reckoned the firft of
them who has attempted to corroborate his opinion bv evidence. Jofeph Scaliger
furnillied him with a lift of Nubian words, among which there were found three :
Dade, Father ; Mauron, Bread ; Yag, Fire ; which are likewife Gipfey words.
Thence he infers that Nubia is the Gipfies mother country ; and in order to accom-
modate this to their Lelfer Egypt, he proceeds, The French call the Gipfies Bohe-
mians, item jJLgyptios, quod Nubiam ctiam ipji Nubiani minorem ALgyptum voccnt.
He fpeaks here from the very foul of the French, and palms a rcafon for their ap-
pellation of Egyptians on them, which no French author knows any thing of j and
which is evidently a mere arbitrary furmife of his own, in favor of his opinion. The
affinity between the Nubian and Gipfey languages is but very poorly proved. Is it
by any means a juft conclufion, becaufe three words are the fame in two given lan-
guages, that the two languages are the fame ? By fuch kind of analogy the Arabian
and German would much better bear a comparifon, than the Nubian and Gipfey lan-
g:uages. Befides, he alligns for the rcafon of the Gipfey emigration, that they were
driven out by the Sultan. His words arc : Ante hos CLX plus minus annos (he
F f 2 wrote
•220
Notes to the Fourth Chapter.
.v,Tote la 1597) a Sultano jEgyptii fedibus fuis pulfi Palsftinam, Syrkm ct
Afiam Minorcm mendicorum fpecie pervagantes, trajedo Hellefponto, Thraclam,
ct circumdanubianas regiones incredibile multitudini inundarunt. Viilcanius de
ilterii Gctarum feu Gothorum, p loi. Concerning this opinion of Vulcanius,
confult Job. Liulolfs Hijl. JEthiopic Commentar. 214, &c. and it will there appear
that the whole does not contain a word of truth.
(") § 33 — 37' Viz. drefs and fortunetelling. On account of the latter, Cafpar
■Peu%cr (de divination, p. 160) and Huart (fcrutin, ingen. c. 15. p. 424) are
very well inclined to believe the Gipfies are Egyptians.
(12) His reafon for believing it is, becaufe Vulcanius afferts it. Malumus
tamen, he fays, credere Vulcanio affirmant!, qui depromto Catalogo vocum qua-
rundani Nubianarum, non imperituin fe ejus lingus oftendit, § 37. But what
flight grounds Vulcanius went upon, is already fet forth in the foregoing note.
(13) L. c. § 9. Ihomafius on this occafion alfo has made fome converts,
Chriftian Daum, in order to prove that Zigeuncr is produced from ^gyptianer,
adduces (in einem Briefe an L. Joach. Feller bey Eccard am ged. Orte) a long
catalogue of fuch names as in the German language are fhortened, fometimes by
cutting off part, or reducing two fyllables into one, when compounded of two
liquids and a mute. e. g. Hans for Jolmiines ; Greta for Margaretha ; Bafilan,
Sehajlian ; Afmus, Erafinus ; Lena, Magdakna ; &c. whereas, on the contrary,
the vulgar fay Cl.TiJligan or Chrijiikan for Chriftian,
(14) V. Tiirklfcher Schauplatz,. Num. 2. b.
(15) Above he is quoted as the perfon who broached the opinion, that
they were the fame as Faquirs and Kakndars. He feems therefore nothing lefs
than decided in his opinion, when he appears again now as the defender of their
Egyptian defcent.
(16) Salmon heutigc Hiji. odcr gegcnivilrtiger, Staat des Turkifchcn Rcichs,
Th. I. Seit 319, 320.
(17) Sultan Sellm hah drawn out his troops againft Ferfia, with the determination,
if not to conquer the country entirely, at leaft to do them all the mifchief he could ;
for which reafon his tremendous army was already, in 1517, encamped near Aleppo.
Gawri, the ClrcalTian Sultan in P^gypt, when he heard of this enterprife, being
fearful, that after Sellm had actompliflied his intentions refpeCting Perfia, he might
attack
Notes to the Fourlh Chapter. 22 f
attack him, fent ambafliidors, to offer his alTiftance againft the Perfums. Sclim
accepted it, and Gawri immediately colletted his foiccs. As the two armies lay
near each other, it fo happened that feme Circaffians attacked, and plundered, feme
loaded camels, which were going to Selim's camp, Sclim, who looked upon this
as an aiffront, inftantly refolved to leave the Perfians quiet for the prefent, and
to draw his fword againft his ally. This he accordingly did, and Gawri, being
betrayed by two of his generals, was defeated, and fell in the adion. Thofe who
efcaped from the battle fled to Kahire, where they related what had pafled, and a
general aflembly being convened, they immediately proceeded to the elcclion of a
new king, Tumanbcy. He marched to attack Selim once more, was defeated,
and having experienced various reverfes of fortune, at laft fell into his hands.
Selim was fo charmed with his underftanding, that he not only granted him his
freedom, but intended to appoint him Viceroy over Egypt. However, before this
event took place, people began to talk freely concerning their hopes, that when
Selim fliould have withdrawn, Tumanbey, with the remaining Circaflians and
Arabians, might be able to drive his troops out of Egypt, and reinftate the
Circaflians in their former dominion. Thefe reports came to Selim's knowledge,
yet his confidence was fo great, that he at firft did not entertain any fufpicion of
Tumanbey. But at laft, when they continued, and even increafed, he ordered the
unhappy man to be arrefted, and hanged under one of the gates of Kahire. On
which occafion, like a true Barbarian, he made ufe of the following words :
'' How great my favor was towards him, I have fuihciently proved ; the effefts
'* of his partifans converfation, let the wretch himfelf experience." With him,
not onlv ended the government of the Circaflians, in Egypt, after it had continued
286 years, but, by command of Selim, they were for feveral days left to the
mercy of their conquerors, who treated them with the greateft cruelty. V. Kan-
ttmir Gefchicbte des Ofmanifchen Reichs. Seit 233, ft".
(18.) Twifs alfo is of this opinion, but gives no reafon for it, he fays of the
Spanifii Gipfies : Leur race eft un melange d'Egyptiens & d'Ethiopiens. Voyage ea
Portugal £5* en Efpagne. Traduit de I'Anglois, Chap. 27. pag. 205.
(19) Homines jEgyptii plerique fubfufculi funt, et atrati, magifque moeftiores,
gracilenti ct iracundi, ad fingulos niotus excandefcentes, Libr. XXH. fub fin.
(30) Mdamprfh, Libr, X.
(ii) Schmidt
;i22, Notes to the Fourth Chapter,
(21) Schmittt de cepis et aliis apud jEgyptios.
(22) Aclian. I'ariar. hijloriar. Libr. VII. jEgyptios aiunt patientiflime ferrs
toimcnta, et citius mori homincm jEgyptium in qureftionibus tortura examina
tumque.
(23) Rccherches philofophiques fur les Kgyptiens, et les Chinois, T.I. feft. IX.
P- 313-
(24) Grifdbii always miftakes Troglodytes for a particular national appellation,
which is juft as if any , body fhould fuppofe Nomades to be the nanie of a
people,
(25) Mctamorph. Lib. XL
(26) P.cchercljes philofophiqua fur Ics Egyplicns, ct la Chinois. T. II.
p. Ill, 112.
(27) Grifclini Verfiich einer Gcfchichte des Temcfwarer Eanats, von Selt 199,
bis 212.
(28) Gefchichte da Tranfalpinifchen Dacicns, 2ter. Band. Selt 139 — 144.
(29) Pafquicr Rechenhes dc la France. Liv. IV. ch. 19. p. 361, f.
(30) Thomafms^ I. c. § 37, will, on no account allow this ; and argues
againft Bodin, who in the fifth book of his treatifc De Republ. Cap. II. fin.
was the firft who made the objection. Alfo againft Lauretitius PalmyrenuSy
who, according to Cordova, 1. c. pag. 408. affures us, that the Gipfies when
addrefled by fomebody in the Egyptian language, did not underftand a word
of it, faying the latter he reje£i:s as an infignificant opponent ; and as for
the foiTner he was not a competent judge by reafon of his confined knowledge
of the Egyptian language ; which he believes, becaufe Grotius Epift. 1 1;8. ad
Gallos, fays, that Bodin was no great proficient In the Hebrew language.
But fuch far fetched evafions are of no fervice, as the affair can be certainly
afcertained by indifputable proofs, viz. by a minute lift of Gipfey words and
phr.afes. Moreover, Joh. Ljidolf. Hiji. j^thiopic. Commcntar. pag. 214. f. is
againft him.
(31) I.e. Memb. II. ^gyptios effe, ut vulgo quldem perfuafum, non ficile
dixerim, cum moribus ac linguae ^gyptlorum diffimilliml femper fuerint.
(32) NuUam regionem in univerfo orbe immunem eflc exlftimo ab erronibua
illis turmatira inccdcntibus, quos falfo nomine jEgyptioi & Eohcmos appellamus :•
nanr
Ni)/cs to the Fourth Chapter. 22 j
nam cum in Matcrea ct Cairo cflcmus atque fecundum Nllum, in pluribus Nili
pagis inagnas iftorum turmas invenimus, fub Palmis delidentes, qui nan minus
in jE?rypto extcri habentur, quam apitd nos, BeUotiim Ohfervationum, Lib. II.
Cap. 41.
(33) An anonymous author, in den Anzeigm aus den K. K. F.ibleitiJn-K,
5tcr Jahrg. Scit 198. fays. They do not belong to the Arabians, Turks,
Greeks, Armenians, nor any other nation, which rcfidc in Egypt; but are
-tompofed of an entirely fcpunitc body of people. In Cairo they commonly
raifc their huts and pitch their tents, in large, vacant fpots, where the Sun
fliines hotteft, and roaft themfelves the whole day through in its beams exaftly
as our Gipfies do by the fire.
(34) Lud. Anton. Miiratori Annali d' Italia. T. IX. p. no.
(31;) Their origin remains a problem, not to be fitisfadtorily folved, and
I doubt whether the Gitanos themfelves have any fecret tradition, that might
lead to a difcovery of what they really were in the beginning, or from what
jCQuntry they came. Sviinburne's Travels through Spain, pag. 229.
NOTES to the Fifth Chapter.
(i) His intelligence is in latin as follows: Anno 1763, die 6 Novemb.
vifitaverat me Stephanus Pap. Szathmar Nemethi, Typographus Karolienfis,
habito ad invicem difcurfu, niihi rctulit : Eft in Comitatu Comaromienli, in
villa Almas, Paftor Reformatus, Stephanus Vali, is eidem retulit, dum
Liigduni Batavorum ftudiorum acadcmicorum cauffa fuiffet conftitutus, fc
ufuin fuiile familiaritate trium juvenum Malabaricorum, qui fempcr terni
ibi folcnt ftiideix, nee nili aliis ternis venientibus redire poflunt ad fuos.
Ex horum aniicitia hunc fru>flum haufit Stephanus Vali, quod millc et plurii
vocabula eorum lingua:, cum fignificatione eorumdem, adnotaverat, obfervanda
jilura noftris Zingaris elfe communia. Ipfis cnim Malabaribus aflierentibus, in
■Jnfula INIalabaria efl'e provinciam vel diftridum, qui tamen in mappa non con-
fjMcitur) qua; Czigania vocatur. D. Vali redux a Zingaris Jaurinenfibus
pcrqu'fiwt
^2.^ Noles lo the Fifth Chapter.
perquifivit cas voces a Malabarlbus fibi dlAnt:is, quarum fignlficationes Jaurl-.
nenfes Zinoari abfque uUa difficultate eidcm dbierunt ; iinde Czinganos feur
Cziganos ex provincia Malabaiica, Czigania, ortos coucludi potcft.
Velim autem fcias, dulcis amice, Stephanum hunc Pap. Nemethi efle imun*
ex eiuditis Patrine noftra;, qui, antequam ad academias Belgicas exiviflet, fuerat
civis, et export fenlor CoUegii Debrezinenfis, nee ita credulum, ut fibi paffv.s
t'uiiret imponi a Valio Paftore Almaffienfi. V. ylnzeiven am den K. K. ErL*
i'atuiern^ 6ter Jahrg. Seit. 87. 88.
(2) After having wavered backwards and forwards, confelTmg at laft that he
did not know what to make of the Gipfey language, or where they are properly
at home, he adds, " But one thing we muft not let pafs unnoticed, a piece of-
" information from a learned friend and wellwillier. The following anecdote well
" defervcs a place here, as furnifliing folid matter for inveftigation and refledion,
" and probable ground for believing, that not only the Gipfey language bears^
" a great affinity to that of Malabar, but likewife that thefc people aftually
" originate from feme province in that country." He then proceeds to hii-
narrative,
(3J Compare above First Section, Chap. XII. p. bz.
How much the Gipfey language has altered by time, may be feen in a
ftriklng manner, from two tranflations of the Lord's prayer, both taken from
Hungarian Gipfies, but at different periods, and are to be found in the 6ter Jahrg.
der Wiener Anzeigen, Seit 95.
1. Lord's prayer, according to the old tranflation.
Dade ! gula dela dicha mengi, Czacreng hogodolcden tavel, ogoledel hogoladhcm,
te a felpefz, trogolo anao Czarchode, ta vela mengi fztre kedapu, marc mandro
kata agjefz igiertifzara a more befzecha, male dfame, andro vo lyata, enkala
megula, dela enchala zimata. Sefzkefz kifztrio cothein banilztri, piityere ferif- .
■/.amanne, a kana andre vecfi,, ale Va kofz. Piho.
2. The fame, according to a more modern tranflation.
INIuro Dad, kolim andro therofz ; Ta weltro fzentanao ; Ta weltro t'him ;
Tia weltri olya, fzarthin andro therofz kethjn t'he pre p'hu : fze kogyefz damande
riiandro agyefz a mingi ; Ertitza amare bezecha, fzar, t'hamin te ertingifzama
rebczecha ;
■Notes 10 rhc- Fifth Chapter. n^
rebe7.ccha ; M.\\\ zfa men nndic hczm, nlcka men Ic dfungalin maftfiltar, Ke
tirino t'hin, tiro hino baiibo fzckovari. Amen. ^
Thefe two trandations difler fo widely, that one would almoft be incliued to
doubt, whether they were really the fame language.
(4) V. fupra. pag. 62, &c.
(5) Benjamin Shulzii Grammatica Hindojlanica, and parti :vilarly Gramrr.alica
Indoftana a mais 'vulgar que fe praBica jio Imperio de Gram. Mogol. Em Romi
1778, compared with John Fergujpjn's DiHioitary and Grammar of the HivdoJIa/:
Language. London I773-
(6) As this is already much mixed with Malabar words ; The Rabcr
Gipfies might underftanJ many of thofe which Vali repeated to them. vid.
fupra pag. 132.
(7) As a proof of this, compare what is faid above, pag. 8. g. with the
following words. Les Indiens ont la taille bien faite, ct Ton en trouvc trJs
peu de boffus parmi eux ; leur cheveux font noirs fans etre crepus, & leur
teint eft oliv.itre. Voyage du tour du Monde. Traduit de V It alien de GemelU
Careri, par L. M. N. Paris 17 19. Tom. III. p. 238.
(8) E. G. That the Indians fuffer their children to run about naked, to
as advanced an age as the Gipfies do ; that the Indian women, efpecially thofe
of the lower clafs, are juft as nafty and difgufting as the Gipfey women ;
finally alfo that the inclination to live under tents is full as prevalent among
the Indians as among the Gipfies. Sieh Jfei/e nach Oftindiett und China, von
Sonnerat. Erfter Band. Seite 26. 37. 65.
(9) V. Supra, pag. 28.
(10) Sonnerat, am angi-f. O. Scite 65, 71. 72,
(11) V. Supra, pag. 29, 8l-c.
(12) Sonnerat, Kap. 9. Seit 89.
(13) Sieh obcn Seit 29.
(14) Obcn Seit 34.
(15) Am angcf. O. Kap. 4. 8611034,35,
(16) Sieh Tab, IX.
(17) Of the City Mottera, lyijig 25 Cos diftant from Agra.
G g (18)
226 Nous to the Fifth Chapter^
(i8) Ph':l!pp Baldai JFahrhaftige ausfuhrliche Bcfihnihung der OJlindifchen
Kujlen, Malabar und Coromandel. Aus dem Hollandifchen Uberfetzt. Seite 513.
vergl. 531.
(19) Baldisus am angcf. O. Seite 410. The inhabitants of the State Jafna-
patnam are very well gifted by nature, have good undcrftandings and good
njemories — are great talkers, and have their tongues well hung.
(20) Thcvenot wanted to travel from Buflbra to Scindy, and to make the-,
paffage by fca, as no other opportunity oftered. " I enquired," he fays,
" if it was fafe, and was informed that nobody would load any goods on the
" Ship, being afraid of the Zinganes, Indians bordering on Scindy." He
proceeds to defcribe them as a very thievifli people, who plundered mofi ot •
the Ships which either arrived or failed from the port. Themtiot'i Reifen^ teutfch,
2ter Th. Seite 254. Vergl. die Landfchaft S'anga auf der Hondifchcn Charte,
und die Sangarien auf der d'' AnguilUfihen.
(21) Vergl, obenSeite5io . . The Indian in like manner ufes his kurkuma
on every occafion.
NOTES to the Sixth Chapter..
(i) Gefetze der Gentoos. Aus dem Engl, von Rudolph Erich Ra<i>e.
Hamburg 1778. Seite 100 — 102.
(2) Baldaus am angef. Orte. S-jite 410.
(3) Bdnifche Mijions Berkhte, Th. 111. Seite 178.
(4). De Parruas zyn zeer vreefachtigh on vertzaeght van gemoet; maer
vol van allerhand bedricgereyen : want liegen en bedriegen wordt by hen
voor geene zonde gereekent, uit oorzake het by hen dc maniere en gewoonte
is. Nieuhofs Zee en Lnntreife door nierfcheide Ge-vjejicn van Oejiindien. pag. 259.
(5) The Indians abominate all kinds of ftrong liquors, which caufe intoxi-
cation ; it is only the loweft calls of peoplQ who drink them ; if by chance
thf others ever do comjnvt an irregularity of this kind, it is always done with
great
I\i0!es to I be Sixth Chapter. 227
great fccrecy. Sonnerat am angef. O. S. 24. Vcrgl. Danl/che Mijfioni Berichtt,
Th. III. S. 178.
(6) Above page 33.
(7) Het gcmcen volk van Malabacr, Moukois of Poulias, en andcrs ParruaS
gcnoemt, is zeer verachtclijk. Hunnc vrouwen en dochters makcn gccne groote
Zwarigheit, haer lijf voor geld aen allerlei flagh van menfchcn van wat lantaert
of Godsdienft die zoude moi;cn zijn, ten befte te geven, zonder eenige vrezc
voor hare mannen — De Parruas is een — volk, wiens genegenheit meer na dc
wolluft als dienft helt. Nieuhof am gedacht. O. Seite 14.8. f.
(8) Th. III. Seite 178.
(9) Sonnerat. Seite 89.
(10) Abraham Rogerius Open Deure tot het verborgnenen HeyJendom op de
Cuft Chormandel. Th. I. Kap. 2. Seite II. Ddnifche Miffions BerUhte, T. III.
Seite 1 79. Sonnerat. S. 90.
(11) Above page 12.
(12) MiJJiom Berichte, am angefuhrten Orte. Vergl. Rogerius, 1. c.
Baldaus, Seite 410. Sonnerat, Kap. 10. S. 96.
(13) For the fourth caft are handicraftsmen, Labourers and other people
who follow mean employments.
(14) Defe Parreaes woonen inde fleden by malcanderen, op een houck
van de Stadt, ende op't platte Landt woonen fy niet in de Dorpen ; maer
een ftuck weegs afghefondert van't Dorp bouen fy hare Huyfen. Rogerius,
1. c. pag. 10. — This race of people have their own feparate habitations near
each city and village, and dare not live within them. Mijjions Berichte, Th. 1.
S. 399. Th. III. S. 178. Vergl. auch Sonnerat, Seite 90. — The reafon of this
reparation is becaufe the other cafts would think themfelves defiled and un-
hallowed by any intimacy with the Suders. The Bramins carry this averfion
fc far, that Rogerius (as above quoted) fays : Defe Luyden en moghen in de
ftcden door dc ftraten, daer dc Bramins woonen, niet gaen, ende op't platte
Landt en moghen fe in dc Dorpen der Bramines hare voeten niet'
fetten, &c.
^15) Dit Gefchlechte wort in het Coningriick van Gufuratte Theers
gcnoemt ; fy en fchiinen mede noch Heydens, noch Moors te zijn, maer op
G g 2 . hacr
22i> NoU'S to the Sixth Chapter.
haer felven te leven fonder eenig Gheloof ofte GodfdieulL, Ahtaham Rogerlm,
1. c. pag. n. So auch Sonnerat, Scite 164,
(16) i?()j-fr;w, am angef. O. Mijions Berichte, Th. I. Seite 399. Jlmjuetirs
Re'ifeu nach Oftindien, ncbft einer Befchreihung iter bilrgerlichen und Religions.
Gebrauche dcr Parfeii. Ueberietzt von Job. Ce. runnann, Frankt. am ]\Iayn,
1776. Seit 123.
(17) Every one (of the Parias) prays to the God who beft pleafes him, and
is always of the fame opinion with the reft of his friends or neighbours where he
lives. Millions berichte, Th. I. S. 398, 399. — The caufe of the Sudcrs great
ignorance in religious matters, may be eafily accounted for, from the ftate of
oppreffion in which they live. So far are they from receiving any inftnidion in
thefe matters, that the other three Cafts feem ftrenuoufly to wifli they fliould
have no religion, efteeming them an inferior race of beings, orig'nally deftined
to perdition. (Millions berichte, Th. I. S. iii.) Should any of them take
it into their heads, of their own accord, to endeavor to procure information,
concerning the religion of the other Indians, they fubjeft themfelves to the
following penalties, according to the laws of the Tfchentus. " If a man of
" the Sooder reads the Bedis of the Shajler, or the Pooran, to a Brami/t, a
" Chchtere, or a Bke, then the magiftrate (hall heat fome bitter oil, and
" pour it into the aforefaid Soodcr's mouth ; and if a Sooder liftens to the Bedis
"' of the Shajler, then the oil, heated as before, fliall be poured into his ears,
" and arzeez and wax fhall be melted together, and the orifice of his ears ftiall
" be flopped therewith. This ordination ferves alfo for the Arzal tribe,"
Gentoo Laws, oftavo, 1777, 261 — 2.
( 18) Herod, lib. III. cap. 99. p. 202. / aXoi Js tm» I jrvT^pi; m oi/isvlsf.
TUT'jov, vofjioivii fieri, y.piuv Etfffai wiauv. 5<aA£ov/ai ds Ilaaaioi. VifAoifl"* ^E Tciorj-.,
tl Atyovlai ypx^ixif I't an »ta|A« tuv osVi'-'v, nv t! a^r,;), »,v n ytn?, tov (a£> av-
!^ox aKJfEg 01 (/.xK^ioi 01 l^t-iKiwi; xiEivacri, ^xfiivoi aurov, rriKoi*ivov rri viuu), tx
■.■<^tx (T^iiri onKfi^tipsiBuu 'O (Jc, aVapKopi.ti"j; iii ^ij jU.tv votr/fiv* Oj c?;, k criy-
\ivti>sy.i^ivoi,. oiTioyliziva-vlii xalfuwp^^fVem. tji/ it ymn k«ix», uTciuTUi oil tViypfu-
jMvxi ftaAira yvvxtxi; Taura 707(71 anJpaVi c:oi£u(ri, tci/ yap iri l; yxpaj dzf-
xofAEvcv biaxvli;, xa]wji^iovla.i. ti Si t4.'tb Aoyoi/ b' wcAXst' tiv£; ftUTiwn a7rixii£i!v7ai.
7refnJlatieUt
VoA'f to the Sixth Chapter. X2i^ •
7ranJ!ur:oi:.
The other Iiid'.arij who inhabit to the e:iftward, are nomadic, and live on raw
f.efh. They are called I'adcaus. They are laid to h.ive the following cuftoin»
among them. When any one falls fick, if a man, his neaiell mile relations, and
nioft intimate friends, kill him, giving as a realbn, that his dilbtder would caufe
bim to fall away, and his fiefli thereby be lefs palatable. It is in vain for him to
<leny that he is lick, they murder him without mercy, and feaft on his flefli. If
it be a woman, her nearell female relations, aft in the fame manner as the men
among themfelves. They kill Inch as are come to a great age, and eat them,,
but this fcldom happens, as they never fail to kill thofe that fall fick.
(ig) Timur dont le deffeln etoit de participer au mcrite ct a l.i gloirc dc la
Gazic, et qui n'avoit leve fa nombreufe Armee, qu'en ii\tention de fairc la guerre
aux ennemis de fa religion, fe rcfolut ailement a rentrcprilc de la Conquete des
Indes. Hijioire de Timur Bee. Ecrite en Per/an far CherefeJdin AU., Traduite tn
Francois., par "Mr, Pctis de la Croix, Tom. III. pag. 9.
(20) This circumftance occurred, particularly at the taking of Baunir (Hijioire
dc Timur Bee, Tom. III. Chap. 14.) and in the neighbourhood of Dehli,
where Timur's mgft important battle was to be fought, as he there met the
chief army of the Sultan of India. The hiftorian relates the caufe, and the
number of Indian flaves, which were maflacred by Timur's command, in the
following words : L'Emir Gellan Chah, et les autres Generaux, reinontrerent
a Timur, que depuis fon paflage de I'lndus jufqu'alors, on avok fait plus de
cent mille Efclaves Indiens, qui la pliipart etoient Guebres et Idolatres ; qu'ils
ttoient dans le camp, et qu'on devoit s'attendre que dans la temps d'une
bataille opiniatree, ils leveroient le mal'que, fe jetteroient fur nos Soldats, pren-
droient le parti de ceux de Deli, tacheroient de fe joindre a eux, ct faifant
balancer la victoire la plus affuree, nous feroient perdre la bataille. Cette
remontrance fut foutenue par ceux qui avoient remarque, que quand les officiers
de Mellou Can etoient fortis de Deli avec leurs Elephans pour nous attaqucr,
les Efclaves avoient fait voir fur leur vifage une joye extraordinaire : cette
affaire fut mife en deliberation avec toutes fes circonftr.nces ; Timur aprl-s y avoir
fait ime fericufe reflexion, expedia un ordre, portant que ceux qui auroient
de9
5,30 l<>okS to the Sixth Chapter.
■des Efclaves Indiens, euflent a les mettre a tnort, et que quiconque diflfererolt,
ou mepriferoit cet ordre, feroit mis a mort lui meme. AulTitot apr^s la
publication de cet ordre, on fe mit en devoir de I'executer ; et Ton fit mourir
en moins d'une heure le nombre de cent mille Indiens, fulvant la moindrc
fupputation qui en fut faite. Idem Cap. XVIII. pag. 89, 90.
(21) The inveteracy of the lovveft clafs againft the higher is fo great that,
e. g. no Bramin dare flievv himfelf in thofe places where the Soodcrs have their
huts, as he would run the rifle of being buried, with a Ihower of ftones.
J)aiurche MiiTions berlchte, Th. I. Seit 711.
r I N I «.
( 23» )
SUPPLEMENT.
JL HE Author reckons the Jews a proof of" his affertions,
concerning the Gipfies; who, although the written documents
of the former, may render them tenacious in matters of religion,
yet as they are equally rigid in other refpeds, he fuppofes that
fteadinefs to proceed from their Oriental extradion.
The Turks are here introduced, as a further proof of the
unwillingnefs, fliewn by Oriental people, to change their
manners. ( i ) . j
The miferable flate of thefe people (the Gipfies) may be
collefted from the following circumflances. We have it from
tradition, that feveral people, particularly women, have- been
buried by their own defire, in order to put an end to their wretched
lives ; and a later account informs us, that a Gipfey man, who
had been taken, after being whipped, and fwearing that he would
not commit any aft of revenge, was carried beyond the borders,
and threatened to be hanged, fliould he return. A few days
afterwards he experienced the fame fate, in another place, and
then again in a third, upon which he returned to the firft, and
defired his fentence fliould be put in execution, that he might be
rdeafed from a world where he had the misfortune to belons: to
f'och a fet of beings. They were not always even looked upon as
humaa
^yz Supplement.
human creatures, for at a hunting party at one of the fmail
German courts, a mother and her fucking child, were fliot like
a couple of wild beafts.
As upon examination, the idea of Gipfies dealing children,
feems not to have much foundation, fo the accufation of having
eaten feveral people, becomes very dubious, on a clofer inveftiga-
tion ; and yet the fentence (2) pronounced upon them fhews, that
the judge muft have been fully perfuaded of it. But how could
any perfon aft, if their own confeffion of the crime was fahe,
confequently the dreadful fentence of death was the refult of
a judicial error. This fufpicion is fupported by more than
one circumftance.
In the firft place, the condemnation itfelf contains very ftrong
hints, if We confider the contents, with refpeft to the general
proceedings, and the grounds on which the malefaftors were
condemned, with certain traits in the Gipfies charadler, and
compare all thefe with an event recorded in the Hungarian hiftory,
which happened in the year 1534- The Gipfies were fufpefted
of traitoroufly aflifting John Zapolya, wherefore the Governor
of Leutfchau, Cfernaho, fent out fome horfemen to arreft a" party
of them, near Iglo : The greateft part efcaped by flight, they
only took a few old men and boys, who were brought into
Leutfchau. Thefe confefTed circumftantially, Cwhich appears
highly improbable, that men fhould \)'Q in fuch a manner, to
their own ruin,) as well before, as upon the rack, the following
falfities, that a hundred of them had been fent by Zapolya fince
,the middle of Lent, and had agreed for a fum of money, to fet fire
to the five chief cities, Kafchau, Leutfchau, Bartfcld, Eperies
and
'Supplement 23 ■;
and Zebcn ; that the Saturday before, fcvcral of them haJ
privately entered Leutfchau, difguifed like Wallachians and
fliepherds, under the pretence of felling fkins, that they laid fire
in various places, moreover, 'chat they had murdered feveral people,
and finally, that they had letters from Zapolya to thirteen different:
cities, with orders to afford them fhelter and proteilion within
their diftrids, as long as they chofc to remain. In confequencc
of this confeflion they were impaled, " but whether juftly or
" not," adds the Chronicle, " that let him anfwer for who
" condemned (3) them." For on being condu6ted about the
lown, to (hew in what places they had laid the fire, they could
not fpecify them j befides, they denied every thing when they came
to execution. (4) Except the circumftance of retracting, of
which nothing is mentioned in the fentence of death, the cafe
feems to be exaftly fimilar between thofe and the men-eaters In
queftion. Thefe were taken up on fufpicion of theft, in the
courfe of the examination fomething efcaped them which gave
occahon to think they had committed murder, and the criminals
being interrogated on this point, perhaps on account of the
feverity ufed, or it may be, from an idea of heroifm (a very common
trait of their charafter) they confeiTed the fadt, and chattered
away till they had filled the paper with circumftances, without con-
fidering the confequences. When called upon to difcover where they
had depofited the dead bodies, they promifed to fhew, but on being
brought to the fpot nothing was found, and they endeavored to
run off". Neverthelefs, having once confefled the murder, they were
put on the rack. As the bodies could not be found, the judge
imagined they muft have eaten them, which though denied
H h by
2^4 Si'pplement,
by the poor miferable wretches, it was of no avail, and decided
their fate. The following extract of a letter (5) from Hungary,
gives further reafon to doubt of it. " You will certainly have
" heard of the men-eaters in the diftricl of Hont. The matter
" is not at all confirmed. The of the County, who, by
" an overhafty judgement, had forty of them executed, has
" been, on that account, fufpended by the Emperor, and a
" Councellor, as Royal Commiflary, will be fent from Vienna,
" to examine minutely into the affair. The many people faid
" to have been eaten, are reported to be all forthcoming, and the
" confeflion of thefe people is faid to have been extorted by
" inhuman beating on very flight fufpicion." (6)
The remainder who were imprifoned, were, after the examina-
tion of the Commiffary, beaten as thieves, but not capitally
puniQied, and it is highly probable, that thofe who had been
executed before, only deferved their fate as having committed
murder, but not at all as men-eaters.
Swinburne gives (7) a curious account of their fhamelefs in-
genuity, to cheat the people, at a fair at Mnrfico Nuovo.
If the Gipfies attempted to cheat the Way vodes of their Tribute,
thefe, on the contrary, plagued them very much ; and the
Emprefs fent orders to reftrain them (8)
The Turks are fo fully convinced of the Gipfies litue finceriry
in religious matters, that although a Jew, by becoming a
Mahometan, is freed from the payment of the charadfch, the
Gipfies are not, at lead in the neighbourhood of Conftantinople.
They are compelled to pay this polltax even though their anceftors,
for centuries; back, had been Mahometans ; or though they Ihould
adlually
S'.'ppkmcnl. -i^i
aftually have been a pilgrimage (9) to Mecca. Tlie privilege of
wearing a white turban, is the only advantage, their converlion
gives them over unbelieving Jews and Giplics.
In 1578 a law was made in Poland to prohibit any perfons from
receiving Giplies into their houfes, under pain of baniflimcnt. (10)
Matthieus quotes a fentence, of the court of Utrecht, againil
a Gipfey who had been apprehended in 1545, for dilobeying the
order for banifliing them, to the following purport : To be
whipped till the blood came, have both his noftrils flit, his hair
cut off, his beard ftiaved, and then to be tranfported for life. (11)
In every place where the Emperor's orders for civilifing thefe
people, were attempted to be put in execution, it could only be
elfedled by force, one man .was fo much chagrined at the new
regulations, that he went to market, fold his horfe for fix guilders,
brought the money home to his family, gave direftions how it
fhould be difpofed of; then, like Cato, unwilling to furvive
the freedom of his countrymen, he deftroyed himfelf.
One of the Chronicles mentions, that an hord, which carried
about paffports, had artificers, among them, who could write and
cut feals, according as they had occafion for them. (12)
It is not neceffary to truft entirely to circumftantial proof for
the exiftence of thefe fafe condu6ts, as befides a later, but here
very pertinent order of the former Great Hungarian Count
Thurzo, (13) given in the year 1616, remarkable for its ferious
and humane contents ; an older one, given in the earliefl age of
the Gipfies, by the moft auguft Prince, the Emperor Sigifmund,
(14) is ftill extant. It is written on paper, and was brought by
thofe who were at Regenfburg in 1423. Andreas Prefbyter
H h 2 copied
^-.g Supplement*
copied it into his fix years Journal, which is in the poffefTion
of Oefelius. Sigifmund feems to have given the like to feveral
hords and at earlier periods, this being dated in 1423, and
the tribe who were at Bologna in 1422, had one of the fame
import.
Mr. Marsden has collefted, from the Gipfies here, as many
words as he could get ; he has alfo got by correfpondence from
Conftantinople, a coUeftion of words ufed by the Cingaris there-
abouts ; and thefe together with the words given by Ludolf
in his Hijioria jEthioptca, compared with the Hindoftan vulgar
language, fliew it to be the fame language, which is ufed by the-
Gipfies and in Hindoftan. Letter from Mr. Dryander to Hofrath
Loder in Jena, dated 22 April, 1785.
The Second Edition contains a third copy of the Lord's Prayeri^
with the literal tranllation in Latin. (15).
The Author in his Second Edition does not infift on the
word Polgar, being pofitive evidence of the Gipfies Oriental
extradlion, but does not allow that all the other circumftances
which tend to prove it, are therefore to be difputed.. When
he finds that Ram is a mode of calling to one another
amono- the Indians, and that Rom or Rome, is the fame among
the Gipfies, he is rather inclined to believe this has an affinity
to the Indian word Ram, than that it is a proper name among
the Gipfies, as has hitherto been imagined. From the fame
origin he traces the particular liking the Gipfies have to red
cloaths, above thofe of all other colors, which he can afiign no
veafon for, till he compares It with Indian manners. The Bramin
performs all his religious worfliip in a white drefs, without the
leaft
Supplement.- z^f
leaft mixnire oF any other color. As foon as he returns home
from thefc funftior^s, he changes his white turban for a red
one. The common Indians aHo prefer this color for their little
round caps. When thefe laft, efpccially on holidays, make a
double deep yellow ftripe on their foreheads with fat, laffron,
and facred cow-dung. The Bramins make the fame ftripe with
red (i6) as a mark of pre-eminence. Moreover, the dellre of
the Gipfies to conceal their language, is a ftriking Indian
trait. " C'..ftom, fays Pallas, " of the Indians round Aftrakan,
" has rendered them to the greateft degree fufpicious and filent-
" about their language, infomuch that I never was able to procure
*' a fmall vocabulary from them." ; . . ^
To the circumftances of their fondnefs for faffron, and their
unwillingly marrying any perfon but what is of their own Caft,
if we add, that fome of thofe who arrived at Forli, gave out that
they came from India, (17) we fhall come but little (liort of
pofitive proof that they are Indians, although the following
chapter will contain entirely new confirmations of it.
The attachment of thefe people, (the Pariars) to their own
habits, is fo ftrong, that after a boy has been purchafed, (and
that may be done for half a guilder) fed, cloathed, and every
method ufed to make him a better man,, he generally runs back
to his ftinking huts (18) which is a ftriking parallel to the trials-
made In Hungary for the improvement of the Gipfies.
Even among the lower claffes and refufe of the Suders, there
is a quality of people not unlike our Gipfies, with refpecl to
their wandering about in particular hords, unlcl's it ma)' be
admitted that they are Gipfies who have ftraggled back again,
and
tjgS Si'ppkifMKt.
and having travelled together, may be more attached to each
other, or notwithftanding the lownefs of them all, may be looked
upon as inferior beings by theSooders, who have conftantly refided
in the country. There are great numbers of them in India, who
ivave buffaloes of their own, on v.hich they load their property,
and chufe to refide in defarts. An hord of this kind is mentioned
in the Hlftory of the Life of Hyder Ally, who, laying afide the
common Indian prejudices about fuch unclean people, rendered
them very ufeful to his army. The Editor of this Hiftory, a
J^'rench officer in Hyder Ally's fervice, calls the faid hord a kind
of Bohemians, that is, Gipfies ; perhaps, had he known that
Gipfies originate from India, he might have been able to
give us fome more circumftantial account of this wandering
Indian hord. (19)
NOTES
C 239 >
NOTES to the SUPPLEMENT.
( I ) \^_^OUNT Bonr.eval foribok his mafter and his religion in order to introduce
a more perfeit mi!it;i!y lyftem among the Turks ; as did likewife two other people,
with a vieiv of allilUng him, Monehevreul and Ramfay, the latter of which,
made his fonune among the Ruirians, under the title of Count Behnain. The
people at firft regarded the fmall corps cntrufted to him, :.nd trained to the European
difciplme only as a matter of amufement for the courtiers, but when the Turks
difcovered the extent of the plan, by Bonneval's defiring a larger detachment, the
people in power fet themfelves againft it, and the whole nation was in a ferment,
infomuch that a rebellion was apprehended, and the Author concludes, " il fallut
cefler tous ces exercices qui n'allarmcrent que les Turcs. V, Hijloire de la guerre
<lcs Rujfti centre Ics Turcs, par Mr. de Keralio (a Paris 1780-8) Tom. I,
p. 3. f.
(2) Scntentia FiJ'ci Magijlralii Co/nitatiis Hontenjls contra Zingaros 1782,
Deliberatum ejl ;
Adftantibus in cauflam adtraClis primum fola furtorum cum nofturnis Lanienae
Vifzohenfis et Rotarii Almafienfis Camerae effratlionibus commifforum pra;fum-
tione gravatis, utque hjec et plura mlnutiora fed ct homicidium unum forma
Obfeffionis perpetratum, ingrcdientefque ad iftud Complices fub Nris i. 2. 3. 4. &
5 revelantibus ; iftis demum per partes incaptivatis et in focietate peculiarl
conventiculo coalita, plurium hujus et Barjienjis Comitatus fylvarum obfellioncni
et Georgio quidem Sarkozy in genere 24 homicidia fub Nro 8, aliis vero alias
diverfis locis, diftinfti temporis et varis conditionis Itinerantium, numeroque,
propterea quod in fingulo crudclitatis aftu omnes prsfentes non fucrit, difformi,
neces fub prxfcriptis Nris, et 6. 7. g. ufque 41 inclulive, confitentibus, atque in
coatrita horum confeffione fua perfevcrantibus : tametfi quidem hanc focietatem
defluentis jmii\ fejio S. Jofrph: conditam effe fub Nro. 3 aflcratur; cum tamcru
MitbacL,
^^o ISIotL'S to the Supplement.
Michael S/.inmond fub Kro. 24. a 3bus aut 4or, Michael Sandor fub Kro. 15,
-circiter a C. Fnmcifcus et Kafpar Konefch fub Nris 21, 23. a 5 vel 6. Michaiil
Vords, fub Nro. 16 ab 8 annis, femel foclos fuille agnofcant ; Georgius Sarkbzy
fub Nro. 8. homicidium ad Szolos ante 10 annos peradlum memoret ; Andreas
Baifza fub Nro. 7. femet ab annis 12 latrocinari aperiat ; INIaria Koralyi
fub Nro. 27. tria in fylva Nemefienfi homicidia facile ad annos 20 cfferat ; juxta
prjeadduftum Michael Voros fub Nro. 16. pra^fati Georgii Sarkozy jam antehac
tota progcnie in inferioribus partibus laquco extinfta, ipfe idem coram complice
Francifco Didy fub Nro. 3 femet a parvis furari gloriatus fit, focietatcm iftam
■latronis hujus Sexagenarii alioquin per omnes Complices pro Antcfignano primario
declarati, xtati virili corevam in e:dtu fmgula; hycmis recolllgi ct conftabiliri
«onfuetam potlus, quam praiattailo Fcfto S. Jofephi conflatam, fortillime prx-
fumendum eflc.
Quamquam porro Latrocinii hujus adeo vcterani, ct ea, quod hi Rei a funis
pecorum provincial hujus domeftlcorum, prout aftuta faex prsfenfit, exaftius
quaerendorum abftinucrint, et etiam Itinerantcs non nifi a longe extraneos,
aut Hajeros * variis cxtero quinquoque fatis pereuntes, ad idus fuos rapuerint,
ita ut hinc unus Lanio Perefzlenyjenfis circa feftum exaltata S. Crucis domo
difcedens hucdum defideretur, et hujus etiam vita vel mors veftium per Uxorem
■ejus, Judicio prcefenti, denunciatarum, ab illis quas Lanionis jam hoc vere,
poftquam Zfigardiani compllres prlmi comprehcnfi fuiffent, in fylvis Pocfuvad-
lenfibus occifi fuiffe, Stephanus Tohbly fub N? 6, Andreas Borfza fub N? 7,
Georgius Sarkofzy fub N? 8, et Carolus Gafpar fub N? 13 referunt, incerta
fit, fraude tarn diu nimiumque occulti corpora delifti omnia, quasrenda non
fuerint, quia nihllominus re£le hunc Lanionem recentius, et paulo prius in
Almas Domo Nicola Didy hadenus profugi tres ad fimul peremtos elTe homines
ex plurlbus, fed fignanter fub N? 13, 24, et 41, deteftis, conftiterit, poftquam
horum oculate infpiciendorum induftria complices diverfi exhumationem et often-
fionem cadaverum promittentes ad facicm locorum quadruplici via addufti fuiffent,
jifdem ibi nihil, pr^terquam elabendi occalionem qua;rentibus, ac ita, labore
iimpliciter perdito, reduftls ; atque tam his, quam reliquis omnibus ad quaftionem,
quo
* Sind in Krcmnitz die Bergleutc ; die dort dicfen Nahmcn tiihren-.
Notes to the Supplemi'nt, ' 241"
<juo caJavern convcrterint ? fad^am, angularcm foci Domus Nlcolao-Didian;e-
lapidem, in quo ibi occifos confocuerunt, cLimantc iiinoccntiiim fanguinc adhuc
madidiim, horumque ac aliorum per lylvas trucuknter eneilorum ihiJem di'.a-
niationem, cofturam et Barbaricam, iftis non amplius abominabilem, fed t'rcquentato
iifu confuctudinariam, imo deliciolam potius carnis humane, quandoquc ad fuas
c-tiam domos jiixta Tub Nro. 10 el 34. ex I'ylvis allatae Vorationem, fpontc ac
benevole agnofcentibus ; occurrere quidem quod Matthseus Hluchy auriutn-
impedimento, et blaefa multuin voce : Fccmince autem RIaritos aut Viros.
concubinarios fccutae, fexus fui infirmitate alleviari viJerenti.ir ; cum
interim vir ille complicis remotius a fe coiifrontati vocem non adeo
altam intellesifle atque cidem dircde apteque refpondiffe in Figura fedis,
hujus Reviforia; obfervatus, pr^terea in domo Didiana corporum exhuma-
(ionem et alio trandationcm mcntitus fpe profugii, eorumdem oftenfioncm
commodis (ignis et etiam voce fluis intelligibili promiferit, ac in facicm locL
eduiSus verfus fylvam Commiffarium, alMentefque Incolas Alinallienfcs prir ,
cedens, abje^?to e brachiis fune profugium reipfa tentaverit, atqvie hac etiam .
ratione pro confitente reo habendus fit ; uxoribus autem nee vinculum matrimo-
iiiale, eo minus concubinis peccaminofus et ipfe Concubinatus tribuat Latrocinii vel
iimplicis, eo magis tanti temporis totque homicidiis maculati, excufationem, qurc
in hoc cafu non folum viros fequebantur, fed juxta fub fJrla i;. 5. 30. et 34. in
Domo Didyana intra duas Falfd ct Alfo- Almas fibi adeo juniftas Poffefliones, ut,-
utraque pro uno loco haberi poflit, medio fpatio fita ad fuperandum occiden-
dorum, qui metuebatur, ejulatum commiflb fibi per viros ad lufum fidium,
cantu, faltu, et confufo clamore cooperatre funt. Ideo has foeminas et prx-
adduftum Matthseum Hluchy, cum rcliquis viris, omnes poena mortis, ct quidera.
viros cum exafperationibus, dignos dcclarari.
Quoniam igitur Viri a focminis, Duiilores a primariis et fecundariis fubalternis, . •■
feniores a junioribus, et prout ad audendum eo mode poenas fuftinendum vali-
diores a debilioribus ad utrumqvie fcqueftrandi fint. Hinc Icuata tcnus fpecificatas
Annam Reuai, Mariam Kuralyi, Mariam Francifci Didy Confortem,
Catharinam Szoufyhy, Helenam Martini Geczy confortem, Rofam Parkas,
Saram Thomx Jonas confortem, Elifabetham Balas, Csciliam Siirkozy, Mariam
Mkhaelis Sander confortem, Sufannam Francifci Jonas confortem, Mariam Jonas,
" ■ I,i. Mariam.
24.2 Notes to the Supplement.
Mariam Radios Kallaianani, alteram Mariam Radics Polyakianam Vlduas, Mariam
ChriftinamThomae Iftock confortem,et HelenamSzarkaGeorgil Siirkozy concubinam,
adGtadium; ita ut harum decolationera Viri fufpendendi : Ex Virisautem Mlchae-
lemZfigardjFrancifcum Didy, Jonam Antus, Jofephum Geczy alias Kaka, Nicolaum
Laczy,Martinum Geczy, Francifcum Dobecz, Carolum Gafpar, MatthiumHluchy, .
Michaelem Sandor, Paulum Didy, Seniorem Michaelem Jonas, Kafparum Konefch,
Michaelem Zfigmond et Samuelem Belaj, ad Laqnaiiii ; ita ut horum fufpendlum •
Rota frangendi ; poftea Stephanum Zfigard, Stephamim Poroutyi, Stephanmn
Tokbly, Andream Boifza, Francifcum Jonas et Michaelem Jonas Darafienfem
ad crurifragium a parte inferiore inchoandum ; ita ut horum frafturam quadrifa-
riandi contueantur : Tandem Georgium Sarkozy, Michaelem Voros et Francifcum
Konefch, ad quadrifariationem condemnari ; atque in hoc Reorum et pcenarum
feparatione ad majus exemplum vindiftae de crimine deteftando carnium humanarum
efu polluto, ac qua tali Legibus Patrii et Praxi criminali, eo quod per totam
Regni hujus retroacftam tctatem cafus non fuerit, ignoto, fumtae praemiflbrum
cxecutionem (hactamen et fententiae publicatione quoad faeminas fub Nris 28, 38,
ct 41 prxgnantcs, et fi quae plures compertae fuerint, ufque partum fufpenfa) in
Kemencze, Bath et Czab juxta maximas comitatus hujus poffeffiones rotis,
quantum fieri potucrit, tertiis peragendam ac prae!ertim in praefentis tempoiis
-crebra fylveftrium prasdonum fama quadrantis unius in vicinia Pontis Leledienfis,
alterius autem et utriufque tjuadrifariai|dorum Malcfadtorum capita retentari in
Terrene Dregelienfi, exituquc verfus Nagy Orofzy infamibus cnhunnis appen-
iionem decerni.
(3) Si bene judicati funt annon? de hoc reddat rationem Dominus Cscr/za/io.
(4) V.Carol. Wagneri Analefta Scepufii, Part II. (Vienna 1774. 4) fub
anno MDXXXIV, p. 173. 174.
(5) Von vornehmer hand nach Gottingen gefchricben, und datirt— den aoten
l^ov. 1782.
(6) By a manufcript account from Tranfilvama wc are affured there are
■four forts of Gipfies in that country. i) City Gipfies, who are the mod
-civilifed of any, they maintain themfelvcs by mufic, fmith's work, felling old
■cloaths, horfedealing, &:c. 2) Goldwafliers, who are a real advantage to a ftate.
3) The Tent Gipfies. 4) The Egyptian Gipfies, thefe are more dirty and more
addided
' Notes to the Supplement. 243
addicted to thieving than any of the foregoing. There are not any of the City
Gipfics in Hungary.— Although thelc diftinotions ftiouUi not be proved from re.il
different quahties of thcin, but be only the different degrees of their cultivation ;
It will not be fuperfluous to have hinted at them, as it may ferve to refer to.
with refpeft to the beforegoing and following defcriptions.
(7) Szviniuifie'i Travels in the T1V0 Sicilies, p. 306.
(8) V. The two following orders, by which it will appear, that it was a
particular mark of favor to be appointed fuperlntendant of the Gipfics.
Articulus direfalis pro Fefio B, Michaclis Archa/iveli, AWiC Julia, 1558.
Quia Czigani per Vaivodas eorum variis taxationibus et exaftionibus extraor-
dinariis, contra vetercm confuetudinem ipforum infeflantur : fupplicarunt igitur
fideles Regnicolaf, dignentur Majcftates Su2e facrx, * Vaivodis Cziganorum
committere, ne ultra vetercm eorum proventum ad infolitas exaftiones compellant,
fed contenti fint intra annum a fingulis Cziganorum taxa unius floreni, nempe
ad Feftum S" Georgii denar. 50 ; ad Feftum S" Mlchal'lis fnniliter 50.
Artie, ditetal, in Enyed Fcria fexta proxima poji Dominicani Reminifccre.
Ann. 1 560.
Supplicaverant fuperioribus Comitiis iidem Regnicocol^e Sacrs quondamf
Reginali M" et Serenitati quoque Suae j pro Zingaris feu C^Iganis, qui per
Vaivodas eorum variis taxationibus, exaftionibus, et captivitatibus opprimuntur,
dignarentur M"' Suae, ipfis Valvodla Cig..norum coitimittere, ne ultra folitum
florenum, videlicet fingulum quolibet anno in duobus tcrminis a fingulo Cigano,
tentorium proprium habente, exigere debeant, juxta morem et confuetudinem
ab antique obfervatam. Propterca flatutum eft, ut quilibet Ciganus tentorium
habens, pro Fefto B. Georgii Marty ris den. 50, pro Fefto vcro B. Martini,
totidem ad locum fedis Comitatus, in quo refidentiam habet, importare, ubi
fcrvitor Vaivoda; adeffe, et pecunias hujusmodi levare debeat, nee amplius ab
eis exigere valeant. Si qui vero Ciganorum hoc prsftare negligerent ; ab illis,
ubi deprehendi poterunt, exigant. Solventes vero more prxmiflb, ne moleftent.
I i 2 (9) Anzeigen,
* Ifabella and her Son.
-j- BccuuJo the Queen Ifabella was dcceafed.
+ John II. Son of Ifabella.
-2^4 ^^otcs io the Supplemerit.
(g) Hin. Niebuhi's Aufsatz von den verfchiedenen Nationen des
Tiirkifchcn Relchs ; im Deutfch. Mufeum. J. 1784. Self 23.
(10) Promtuar. ftatutor. Regni Poloniae, per Paul Scereic, Part. I. p. 55.
nnd efpecially Leges, ftatuta et conftltutiones Regn. Polon. (Varfov. i732.fc<]q.
Fol.) Tom. II. p. 608, 691, 972.
(11) De Jure Gladii, Cap. 33, pag. 633.
(12) Westphal. Monumenta medita ler. German. Tom. IV. coUinin. 341.
(13) Litterte Palatini Hungarim, ami. 1616. Comes Georgius Thurzo dc
Bethlenfalva, Regni Hungaris Palatinus et Judex Cumanorum &c, univerfis er
fingulis Pra;latls, Baronibus, Comitibus, Vice-Comitibus, Capltaneis, Prrcfeftis,
Caftellanis, E^regiis, Nobilibus et Circumfpeftis, aliisque fidelibus Subjeftis
Sacrae Caefarese Regiaeque Majeftatis, cujufcunque flatus, conditlonis et prDccml-
■nentiae, pofleffionatis hominibus, turn Ecclefiallicis quam Secularibus, in hoc
Regno Hungaria; conflitutls et exiftentibus, prxfentes Noftras vifuris, ialutem et
officii Noftri commendationem, quibus vcro intereft, favorem.
Cum volucres cosli fuos habeant nidos, vulpes foveas, Uipl latibula, Iconcs
et urfi fpeluncas, ct quaelibet animalia fua agnofcant domicilia ; mifera vero
gens ■ Aegyptiaca (quos Czingaros vocamus), miiera pro certo, quamvis vulgo
ignoratur, an ob crudelis illius Pharaonis Tyrannidem, vel ita fotis depofcentibus,
vetcri fuo infFituto in agris et pratls extra urbes, fub tentoriis faltem attritis,
vitam acerblflimam ngcre confueverit, unaque fcnes et juvcnes, pueri et infantes
ejufdem gentis, imbres, frigora, ajftufque intenfiffimos, extra parietes fufferre
didicerint, nullam habeant in terris hsreditatcm, non urbes, non arces, non
oppida neque tefta optent regalia, fed incertis femper fedibus errans, ignara
divitiarum, atque Lnfcla omnis ambitionis, in dies et horas fub acre dlo duntaxat,
manuum labore incudes, folles, malleos ct forcipcs verfando, vidum et aniiiilura
quzritet, ac pro fui fuftentatione, et ncceflaria vlftus acquiiitione, diverfas
non folum Hungaris, fed totius mundi partes peragrare, et per mare per
terras, per faxa, per ignes oberrare, pauperiemque fugere confueverit ;
.propterea gentem hanc mifericordia et omni favere dignam exiftlmantes, hortamur
vos et requirimus, ut, quoties aliqua gentis jEgyptiacs caterva, praefertim vcro
prsfentium exhibitoris Francifci Waivod^ (non ultimus fu» ftirpis alumnus)
rvim fibi fubjedtis et fub duiflu fuo militautibiis Czingaris, una cum liberis,,
familiis,
Notes to the Supplement. 245
tamiliis, tei^toriis, incudibus, follibus, mallcis, forcipibus, allirtiuc rebus ct boni?
fuis, ad vcftras terras, tenuta, dominia, pofleflioncs, honorcs ct Offieiolatus, aut
veftri per medium pcrvcnient, libentcr eidcm in fuburbiis, campis, pratis, et terris
veftris defcendendi, tentoria figcndi, artcm ipfoiuin t.ibiikm, folitamquc viftus
rationem probe exerccndi, facultatem exerccrc, eofdemque tarn in perfonis, quam
rebus fuis quibuslibet, contra violentos quofuis, turbatorcs, vcxatores, ct dam-
nificatores, tueri, protegere et defendere velitis ac debeatis. Sccus non fifturi.
Praefentlbus perlcdlis exhibitori reftitutis, datum in Byche die vigefima Fcbruarii.
Anno domini Millcfimo Sexcentclimo Dccimo iexto.
Comes Georgius Thurzo (L. S.)
Gcorgius Zavodlzky Sccretar,
(14) Litters Sigifmundi ^ro Zitigaris, ann. 1423. Sigifmundus Dei gratia
llomanorum Rex Temper Auguftus, ac Hungariae, Bohemias, Dalmatix, Croatii, &c.
Rex. Fidclibus noftris univerfis Nobilibus, Militibus Caftellanis, Officialibus,
Tributariis, civitatibus liberis, oppidis et corum judicibus in Regno et fub Dominio
noftro conftitutis et exiftentibus falutem cum dileftione. Fideles noftri adierunt in
prjefcntiam perfonaliler Ladijlaui Waywoda Ciganorum cum aliis ad ipfum
lyeilantibus, nobis humilimas porrexerunt fupplicationes, hue in Sepus in noftra
praefentia fupplicationum precum cum inftantia, ut ipfis gratia noftra uberiori
providere dignaremur. Unde nos, illorum fupplicatione illetfti, eii'dcm hanc li-
bertatem duximus conc?dendam, Quare quandocunque idem Ladiflaus Way?;oda
et fua gens ad i\Ska. noftra domLtiia, vlilclicec civitates vel oppida, pervenerint, ex
tunc veftris fidclitatibus prjefentibus firmiter committimus et mandamus, ut eofdeni
Wadillaum Way^iodam ct Ciganos fibi fubjcftos omni fine impedimento, ac pertur-
batione aliquaK, favere ac cotifervare debeatis ; imo ab omnibus impetitionibus feu
offenfionibus tueri velitis : 5/ autem inter ipfos aliqua Zizania fen pertitrbatio
fiwenerit ex parte quorumctitniue, ex tunc non iioi nee aliquis alter <vejirttm fed
itlem hadijlaui Wainoda judieandi et liberandi habeat facultatcm. Prxfentes
autcm, poft eanim lefturam, femper rcddi jubemus prafcntanti. Datum in
Sepus Dominica die ante Feftum St. Georgii Martyris. Anno Domini
MCCCCXXIII. Rcgnorura noftrorum anno, Hungar. XXXVI, Romanor.
vjre XII. Bolwmis tcrtio.
( I j ) Amaro
246
Notes to the Supplement,
(15) Amiiro del Szavo hiil oth<i
Noftcr deus qui cs ibi
opie iindro Cl'iiiofii avel fzinton
iupcr ill ca-lo, ven'iat lan>Sum
tro Nav, te avel tii Lume te khergyol tri voje fzar andro
tiuim nomen, ut veniat tuum regiium ut fiat tua voluntas ficut in
Cferofz chidi te ph6 phu. amfiro mandro ogyeufzuno de amcnge
cceIo ficque ut in terra, noftrum pancm quotidiunura da nobis
agyefz ertine amenge amaro vitfigofz tc amen kide ertinaha
hodie, rcmittc nobis noftrum peccatum ut 1
amarcnge, palidfcha amen andro dlchungalo tfafzofz,
noftris, ne inducas nos in pcriculolam horam,
hin c lume
ita remittmuis
tami unkav
fed fume
amen avri andral 6 dfchungalo tiri
penculo
Amen.
tuum
eft
c lume tin
rcgnum tua
Inn czor
eft potentia,
Tom. XIX, p. 890. — Aliqui
te akana - fzekcvar.
ut nunc - femper.
(16) Pallas, am angef. O. S. 85. 89.
(17) MuRATORi Scriptor. rer. Italicar.
dicebant, quod erant de India.
(18) Briefe eines Chur - Braunfchweigifchen Officiers in Oftindicn ; im
Hannovrifchen Magaz. Jahrg. 1785. St. 34. S. 531.
(ig) Une Horde, d'une efpece de Bohemiens ties nombreux dans I'Inde,
& dont on ne counoit point rorigine, en ce qu'ils habitent les forets pour
I'ordinaire, &c a qui meme le prejuge Indien defend le-; lieuv mures, parce qu'ils
jnangent, a ce qu'on dit, toute forte d'animaux, et de reptiles, eut permiffion
d'Aydcr, qui eft au-deifus des prejuges, de fuivre I'annee, d'y vendre du lait, du
bois, & tout CO que leur induftrie peut leur fournir, ils fe chargerent de tranfporter
partie confiderable de poudre, au moyen de leurs petites charrettes trainees
ime par des bufles, qui les fuivent dans leurs couifes ct voyages continuels.
Afin de les faciliter, une partie d'entre eux fut affuree d'une folde, comme
pionnicrs, & ils etoient dans les fieges & dans la conftruftion des retranchemens,
& la reparation des chemins, de la plus grande utilite, tant pour le tranfport des
terres, que pour la confcftion des gabions & fafcines. Hijloiie d'Aydcr Ali-Khan
Nabob-Bahadcr. ou Nouveaux Memoires fur I'Inde, (a Paris 1783, 12?) Vol. I.
pag, 264. f.
LIST
C 247 )•
COMPLETE LIST of AUTHORS
Quoted in this Work,
Aelianus.
aeneas sylvius.
ALMANACH von Ungern.
AMMIANUS MARCELLINUS.
ab ANDLERN.
ANDREAS PRESBYTER.
ANQUETIL.
ANZEIGEN aus den Kaif. Konigl. Erbl. 1775, 1776, 1777.
APULEJUS.
ARNKIEL.
AVENTIN. ' ^
BALDiEUS.
BAUR.
BAYLE.
BECANUS.
BEL.
BELLONIUS.
BENKNER. - • .
BENKO.
BERLINISHE Monats Shrift, 1783, 1784.
BESOLDUS.
BODLVUS.
V. BORN.
• ( 248 )
V. BORN^
BROWNSCHWEIGL. gelehrte Beytriige.
BREITKOPF.
BRESLAUER Sammlungen.
BRODJKVS.
BROWNE.
BRUCKMAN.
BiJSCHING, Magazin.
Neue Erdbefchr,
BiJTTNER.
CALVISIUS.
CAMERARIUS.
CANTEMIR, Befchreibung der Moldau.
♦ Gefchichte des Ofmanifchen Reichs»
CARERI.
CARRA.
CHANDLER.
CORDOVA.
CORNERUS.
CROME.
CRUSIUS.
CUREUS. '
DANISHE MifTionsberlchte,
DELRIO.
DEMSHER.
DEUTSCH.
< 249 )
DEUTSCH. iMufeum.
DILICH.
DURET.
EBERHARD.
ECCARD. •
FABRITIUS.
FERGUSSON.
FERRARIUS.
a FRANKENSTEIN.
FRANZ (Wolfg.)
FREHER.
FRIDVALSZKY.
FRITSCH. , .
GAGNIER.
GANZ ■ ;■■
GEBHARDI.
GEORGI.
GERHARD.
GESETZE der Gentoo's
GESNER.
GISBERT.
GOKLENIUS.
GRAMiVIATICA indoft. a mals vulgar, &c,
GR.^.VIUS.
GRISELINI.
K k GRUTIOS.
( ^50 )
GROTIUS.
GULER.
GULICHSCHE Chronlk.
HANOVRISHES Magazin.
HARENBERG.
HEIDENREICH.
HENNINIUS.
HERBELOT.
HERODOTUS.
HISTOIRE d'Ayder Ali-Khan.
HISTOIRE de Timur-Bec.
V. HOLBERG.
HOTTINGER, (Jo. Jac.)
HOTTINGER, (Jo. Heinr.)
HUART.
ILLIA.
ISTHUANFFI.
KECKERMANN,
KELPIUS.
KERALIO.
KEYSLER.
KLOCK.
KOLBE.
KOLLAR,
KRANZ,
( 25^ )
KRANZ.
LAET.
LEO AFRICANUS. )
LETTRES edifiantes.
LONICER.
LUDOLPH, Weltgefchichte.
Hiftor. JEth'ioY). Commcntar.
MAJOLUS.
MANSI. , .,
MARSDEN.
MATTHyEUS.
MERSENNUS.
MINDANUS.
MOLTKEN.
MORITZ. .
MURATORI, Rernm Itallcar, Scrlptor.
Annali d'ltalia.
MUNSTER.
NETTELBLADT.
NEUEROFFNETE Ottomanifche Pfortc.
NEUHOF, Gefandfchaft der Oftindifchen Gefellfchaft in
den vcreinigten Niederlandern an den
Sincfifchen Kaifer.
Zee en Lantreize door verfcheide Gewefter
van Oftindien.
K k 2 NIEBUHR.
( 252 )
ireibung
Im deutfch. Aliif.
NIEBUHR, Reifebefchreibung nach Arablen.
OEFELIUS. . .
OLEARIUS.
ORTELIUS. . ■
OTROKOCZl.
PALLAS, Samlungen HiAorifcher Nachrichten iiber die
Mongolifchen Volkerfchaften.
Neue Noidifche Beytrage.
PASQUIER.
PEUCER.
PEYSSONNEL.
PLACE. , .
POLIT. Journal.
PRAY. , •
PUTEANUS.
RASPE. • . .,
ROCCHA.
ROGERIUS.
LA ROQUE. V . :
ROTTVVELSCHE Grammatik.
KT/DIGER, Neuefter Zuwachs der — Sprachkunde
Grundrifz einer Gefchichte der menfchlichen
Sprache.
SALMON.
C ^5?. )
SALMON, Gegenwartiger Zuftand desKaiferthums China.
Staat von Siam.
Gegenwartiger Staat des Turkifchcn Reichs.
Staat aller Nationcti in Europa.
SAMMLUNG der Reichs-abfchiede.
SCERBIC. -
SHAW.
SCHLOZER, Ofmanifcher Finanz Etat.
Allgemeine Nordifche Gefchichte»
SCHMIDT.
SCHUDT.
SCHULZ.
SCHWEDISCHE Bibliothek.. '
SOBRINO, . ' '
SONNERAT.
SPANGENBERG.
SPONDANUS.
SPRECHER. :
STEPHANOS (Carol.)
STUMPF. ' ■
STUBEL.
SULZER.
SURIUS.
SWINBURNE, Travels through Spain.
Travels in the two Sicilies.
SZASZKYi
C ^54 )
SZASZKY.
SZEKELY.
SZENTIVANYo
TENZEL.
THEVENOT.
THICKNESS.
THOMASIUS.
THUANUS.
TOLLIUS.
TOPPELTINUS.
TUROCZI.
TURKISCHER Schauplatz,
TWISS. .:
UNGRISCHES Magazln.
VERGILIUS. (Polydor)
VIDA de LAZARILLO de TORMES.
VOETIUS.
VOGEL.
VOLKMANN.
VULCANUS.
WAGENSEIL, Pera llbror, juvenillum.
* -* *
WAGNER,
WEHNER.
WEISSENBRUCa
WESTPHALEN.
( ^55 )>
WESTPHALEN.
WIEGLEB.
V. WINDISH.
WURSTISEN.
V. ZACH.
ZEILLER, Neue vollftiindige Befchrelbung des ganzeii.
Konigreichs Ungarn,
Briefe.
E R R A T A„
Preface.
Prto/ I . Line 8. for enquires read enquiries
2. . 19. . brethern • brethren
3. . 18. aher t/jofe, infert ohfeyvations
Introduction.
xr2, . 21. for becaus read becaufe
6. .
23. . Valkan
•
Balkan
13. .
22. . facriike their chil-
dren to their
}
•
have been facrificed to their children's
30. .
12. . fomethimes
•
fometimes
41. .
ig. dele as
55'
6. dele at
.
15. for Scalvonian
read Sclavonian
66. .
19. . triviality
idle conceit
67.
3. . ridiculus
ridiculous
70.
14, . throughs
troughs
71. .
ult. . anoy
annoy
72. .
26.27. Sigirmvnid Bifhop
of Funf kirchen
■
Bifliop Siglfmund at Fiinf kircheu
74-
13. . incendaries
incendiaries
75-
. 21. . my
may
81.
4. . conftraint
reftraint
91. .
. 21. . Hottentos
Hottentots
93-
s 8. . Graubundten
Country of the Giifons
100.
ult. . chufe
chofe
103.
1 7. dele as
118.
25. for apprehenfion
»
importation
after he infert t)
;c
//;/
orter
122.
5. for earthern
read earthen
i^tS.
25. Crawfifli
-•
Crayfifli
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